Abstract
Tissue distribution of heavy metals (total mercury, cadmium, zinc and copper) were studied in specimens of Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops gephyreus), Franciscana Dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei) and Pigmy Sperm Whale ( Kogia breviceps) stranded in SW Atlantic beaches in Argentina. Heavy metal determinations were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Liver is the most important Hg, Zn, and Cu accumulator organ in the studied specimens, while kidney is so for Cd. The importance of the trophic habits and ecological characteristics of each species related to corresponding heavy metal concentrations was emphasized, as well as the animal age vs. pollutant contents relationship. Based on these results the suitability of using these small cetaceans species as ‘heavy metals bioindicators’ in the considered environment was discussed.
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