MEPS 151:273-282 (1997) - doi:10.3354/meps151273
Age, growth and organochlorines (HCB, DDTs and PCBs) in Mediterranean striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba stranded in 1988-1994 on the coasts of Italy
Marsili L, Casini C, Marini L, Regoli A, Focardi S
This study was based on data from 62 specimens of Stenella coeruleoalba found stranded along the Italian coasts between 1988 and 1994. The age of each dolphin was determined by counting dentine growth layer groups in the teeth and a growth curve was plotted. Organochlorine contaminants (HCB, DDTs and PCBs) were analysed in the blubber, liver, brain and muscle of 25 of the dolphins. In all dolphins and all tissues analysed, HCB concentrations (ng g-1 dry weight) were the lowest and the PCBs were the highest, except in 1 blubber sample in which total DDTs were higher than PCBs. Correlations were sought between levels of these contaminants and age, sex, cause of death, locality and year of stranding.
Stenella coeruleoalba · Dolphin · Organochlorines · Mediterranean Sea · Growth curve · Teeth · Sex
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