Urinary Phthalate Metabolite Concentrations in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Under Professional Care

Abstract

Common bottlenose dolphins residing in zoos and aquariums are viewed as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Previous studies on wild bottlenose dolphins have raised concerns about exposure to phthalates - synthetic chemicals that can pose health risks. Recent research on wild bottlenose dolphins has reported prevalent exposure to phthalates. The current case study investigated urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations for five adult female common bottlenose dolphins residing at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Most of the tests performed for specific metabolites did not show detectable concentrations, and metabolite concentrations were generally low when detected. Animal care professionals working at other zoos and aquariums should: 1) investigate phthalate exposure for bottlenose dolphins and other aquatic species, and if necessary, 2) identify sources of phthalate exposure. Furthermore, researchers can conduct experiments to gain insight into how various species process and excrete phthalate metabolites. The ultimate goal is to enhance the welfare of professionally managed animals by reducing exposure to phthalates and to inform our understanding of the metabolic degradation of phthalates.

Keywords: Marine mammal; cetacean; contaminant; plastic; pollution.