ABSTRACT
We characterize for the first time the presence of DDT and its metabolites in tropical Galapagos sea lions
(Zalophus wolleabeki).PDDT concentrations in Galapagos sea lion pups sampled in 2005 and 2008 ranged
from 16 to 3070 lg/kg lipid. Concentrations of ∑DDT in pups in 2008 averaged 525 lg/kg lipid and were
1.9 times higher than that (281 lg/kg lipid) detected in pups in 2005. These concentrations are lower
than those reported in many pinnipeds elsewhere, comparable to those in Hawaiian monk seals, and
higher than those in southern elephant seals. The health risk characterization showed that 1% of the male
pups exceeded the p,p'-DDE toxic effect concentration associated with anti-androgenic effects reported in
rats. The findings provide preliminary guidance on the relationship between DDT use and ecological
impacts, serving as a reference point against which possible future impact of tropical DDT use can be
assessed.
DDT Strikes Back: Galapagos Sea Lions Face Increasing Health Risks
AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 40(4):425-430. 2011.
AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 40(4):425-430. 2011.
Published By: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
If you would like an electronic pdf copy, please feel free to contact me (
jalavasa@sfu.ca)
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Cheers
Juan Jose Alava