Trace elements in Ladoga ringed seal (Pusa hispida ladogensis) hair

Abstract

Hair samples of two adults, eight molted pups, and four newborn Ladoga ringed seals Pusa hispida ladogensis found stranded ashore on Lake Ladoga, North-West Russia, in 2020–2021, were analyzed for concentrations of trace elements, including toxic heavy metals. Al had the highest median concentration (9.25 μg/g, range 1.26–262 μg/g) among toxic elements, followed by Hg (8.84 μg/g, range 2–12.75 μg/g), and Pb (0.16 μg/g, range 0.04–2 μg/g). The Cd concentration in lanugo compared with adult hair of young-of-the-year was significantly lower, suggesting a barrier effect of the placenta for Cd transport to the fetus. The concentrations of Co, Cr, and Zn were higher before the molt, demonstrating the role of lanugo shedding in the excretion of these metals. The concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, and Cu were significantly lower than in the 1990s, and lead and copper continued to decline further after the 2000s. Based on available reference trace element levels in other seal species, we found little evidence of substantially elevated levels or deficiencies in Ladoga seals. Nevertheless, since imbalance of trace elements due to contamination can cause physiological disorders, future trace element monitoring in the Ladoga seal is recommended.