O'Shea T J, Brownell R L
National Biological Survey, National Ecology Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-3400.
Sci Total Environ. 1994 Sep 16;154(2-3):179-200. doi: 10.1016/0048-9697(94)90087-6.
The literature on organochlorine and metal contaminants in tissues of baleen whales includes data for approximately 1000 individuals in 10 species from various oceans of the world. Concentrations of these contaminants in tissues of baleen whales are low. Sources of variation in organochlorine concentrations in whales include age, sex, region of exposure, and feeding habits. Concentrations of sigma DDT and PCBs in baleen whales appear higher in the northern hemisphere than in the southern oceans, perhaps due to greater contamination of northern ecosystems and a higher incidence of fish in the diet. However, maximum concentrations are generally lower in tissues of baleen whales than in other marine mammal species, both on global and local scales. This is predictable based on the general distribution, habitats and trophic levels of baleen whales. We reviewed laboratory studies on the effects of selected organochlorine contaminants on direct mortality and impaired reproduction in other mammals, and critically examined observations attempting to link organochlorines to reproductive and population effects in marine mammals. There is no firm basis to conclude that the contaminants reviewed herein have affected baleen whale populations. Although more information on contaminants in baleen whales would be of value, as a matter of priority, research and management actions should focus on reducing human-caused mortality and increasing habitat carrying capacity for these species.
关于须鲸组织中有机氯和金属污染物的文献涵盖了来自世界各大洋10个物种的约1000头个体的数据。这些污染物在须鲸组织中的浓度较低。鲸类体内有机氯浓度的变化来源包括年龄、性别、暴露区域和饮食习惯。北半球须鲸体内的总滴滴涕和多氯联苯浓度似乎高于南大洋，这可能是由于北方生态系统受到的污染更严重，且其饮食中鱼类的比例更高。然而，总体而言，无论是在全球还是局部范围内，须鲸组织中的最高浓度通常都低于其他海洋哺乳动物物种。根据须鲸的总体分布、栖息地和营养级来看，这是可以预测的。我们回顾了关于特定有机氯污染物对其他哺乳动物直接致死和繁殖受损影响的实验室研究，并严格审视了试图将有机氯与海洋哺乳动物繁殖和种群影响联系起来的观察结果。没有确凿的依据可以得出本文所讨论的污染物已经影响到须鲸种群的结论。虽然获取更多关于须鲸污染物的信息会很有价值，但作为优先事项，研究和管理行动应侧重于减少人为导致的死亡，并提高这些物种的栖息地承载能力。
