Scientists Discover Pharmaceutical Compounds in Gulf Dolphins
Scientists at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have uncovered the presence of pharmaceutical compounds, including the opioid fentanyl, within the bodies of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery adds to the mounting evidence of the pervasive spread of human drugs within aquatic environments.
Study Findings
Led by Dara Orbach, a marine mammal specialist at the university, the team has noted these drugs as newly-recognized contaminants of concern in both fresh and saltwater habitats. The research findings were obtained through advanced mass spectrometry analysis performed on samples gathered from bottlenose dolphins as part of an assessment of their hormone levels in 2020.
During the study, fentanyl was found in 24 out of the 89 dolphins examined. This included each of the six post-mortem dolphin samples. Surprisingly, the presence of meprobamate and carisoprodol, substances used for sedation and muscle relaxation, were also detected in the blubber of living dolphins, with some of these samples dating back to 2013, illustrating the depth of the issue.
How Dolphins Acquire Contaminants
The pathway through which these dolphins acquire these contaminants is thought to be either via their prey or through direct absorption into their blubber, a part of their bodies known to accumulate such pollutants. Since dolphins are at the top of the food chain, their health is a powerful indicator of the overall condition of the marine ecosystem. The researchers also made a connection between drug seizures especially a sizeable fentanyl seizure in South Texas and the occurrence of drugs in dolphins from Mississippi, hinting at a problem of ongoing exposure.
Human Impact on Marine Habitats
Furthermore, the research ties in with a broader pattern of human impact on marine habitats. Previous studies underlined that pharmaceutical pollution had reached alarming levels, notably in over one-fourth of the world’s rivers, potentially impacting oceanic waters. Gulf of Mexico dolphins are also still suffering from the long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster that occurred in 2010.
Call for More Comprehensive Studies
Orbach has advocated for more comprehensive studies to grasp the full scope of the prolonged exposure to pharmaceuticals and the aggregated risks these pose to the health and survival of marine mammals. The intent is to fully delineate the spread and origin of these pollutants and their subsequent impact on immunity, health, breeding, and lifespan of marine fauna.
The findings highlight the dire need for environmental stewardship and the proper disposal of medicinal waste. The detailed report can be found in the scientific publication, iScience.
