A survey of trace element distribution in tissues of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) stranded along the South Carolina coast from 1990-2011

Few studies report trace elements in dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). As high trophic level predators, marine mammals are exposed through diet to environmental contaminants including metals from anthropogenic sources. Inputs of Hg, Pb, and Cd are of particular concern due to toxicity and potential for atmospheric dispersion and subsequent biomagnification. Liver and kidney tissues of stranded K. sima from coastal South Carolina, USA, were analyzed for 22 trace elements. Age-related correlations with tissue concentrations were found for some metals. Mean molar ratio of Hg:Se varied with age with higher ratios found in adult males. Maximum concentrations of Cd and Hg in both tissues exceeded historical FDA levels of concern, but none exceeded the minimum 100 μg/g Hg threshold for hepatic damage. Tissue concentrations of some metals associated with contamination were low, suggesting that anthropogenic input may not be a significant source of some metals for these pelagic marine mammals.