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Photo: Iain Kerr |
VOYAGE OF THE ODYSSEY - TOXICOLOGY
Today, there are major concerns about the ubiquitous accumulation of persistent organic chemicals in man and animals. Concerns include issues of immunosuppression, neurological function, reproduction and cancer. There are many data that point to possible problems at local and regional levels, but there is a lack of globally integrated data that allow a consistent appraisal of exposure and risk in a manner that covers entire ocean basins. We propose to measure concentrations of polynuclear aromatic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and HAHs) in marine mammals, especially great whales from each of the major ocean basins. We will also look for changes in macromolecular biomarkers of exposure including foreign compounds bound to DNA (adducts) and cytochrome P4501A induction. These data will allow a better understanding of the risks associated with chronic exposure to important toxicants. Burdens of selected organic chemicals will be analyzed by gas chromatograph mass spectroscopy, cytochrome P4501A analysis by immunohistochemistry, and adduct analysis by capillary electrophoresis.
Toxicology - Whales
- Background
- Aims
- Methods
- Available Resources
Toxicology - Albatrosses
- The appropriateness of using albatrosses as an assay species
- Status of albatross research and opportunities
- Review of current work on albatrosses
- Estimated Contamination and effects of organohalogens
- Program Elements
- Duration and schedule of study
- Candidate Sites
- Recommended candidates for permanent albatross study sites
- Spills
- Albatross planning committee
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