Metal Levels in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina, exhibit low levels of nonessential and essential metals, serving as a baseline for comparison with other mysticetes. This first report on tissue concentrations in adult southern right whales measured 21 elements, including contaminants like Ag, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and others. The findings suggest minimal metal accumulation, indicating that current exposure levels do not reflect substantial contamination. The study used skin biopsies from ten female whales to assess metal concentrations, providing critical data amid growing human activity in the region.

Sandra S Wise, J. M. (2013). Metal Levels in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina. Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology, 03(06). https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0525.1000190