Trace metals in striped dolphins stranded along the Murcia (Spain) coastline

Heavy metal concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region have been investigated for the first time in stranded dolphins during the period 2009-2015. The levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, mercury liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetaceans. The results of this study could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of heavy metals in the Mediterranean Sea.

Martínez-López, E., Peñalver, J., Escriña, A., Lara, L., Gens, M. J., Dolores, E. M., … & García-Fernández, A. J. (2019). Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009–2015. Chemosphere, 229, 580-588.