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1922156 
Journal Article 
Trace element accumulation in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) from the Lake Baikal 
Watanabe, I; Ichihashi, H; Tanabe, S; Amano, M; Miyazaki, N; Petrov, EA; Tatsukawa, R 
1996 
Yes 
Environmental Pollution
ISSN: 0269-7491
EISSN: 1873-6424 
Elsevier 
BIOSIS/97/09622 
94 
2 
169-179 
English 
BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Trace element concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Hg) were determined in 60 Baikal seals and in fishes collected from Lake Baikal in 1992. Low levels of Hg and Cd were found in Baikal seals in comparison with those of marine mammals and it was due to their low concentrations in dietary fish. These results suggest that pollution by Hg and Cd was low in Lake Baikal and these toxic elements were unlikely to be the causative factors for mass mortality of Baikal seal in 1987-1988. Significant correlation of Hg concentration between hair and internal tissues suggested the use of hair for Hg monitoring in pinnipeds. Among essential elements, higher Fe and lower Cu levels were specifically found in the liver of Baikal seal. The noticeable accumulation of essential elements might be related to the unique and specific environment of Lake Baikal.