Toxic chemicals commonly found in oil spills and fire smoke have been discovered in the bodies of orcas in the Pacific Ocean.
These chemicals, found in orca muscle and liver samples, are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), natural components of coal and petroleum, the University of British Columbia reported, based on data published Dec. 16 in ” Scientific Reports”.
“Orcas are an icon of the Pacific Northwest and are important culturally, economically, environmentally and more. Because orcas are able to metabolize PAHs, the samples found are likely due to recent exposures. Orcas are our canaries for the oceans and tell us how healthy the waters are,” said author Dr. Juan Jose Alava.
Research has proven that PAHs are carcinogenic, mutagenic and have toxic effects on mammals, the study says.
The samples analyzed came from six Bigg's orcas and six killer whales that were stranded in the northeastern Pacific Ocean between 2006 and 2018, the university explained in detail, recalling that this is the first time that PAHs present in these mammals have been studied.
“Coastal British Columbia faces pipeline development, tanker traffic, industrial wastewater, wildfires, stormwater runoff and sewage,” recalled one of the authors, Kiah Lee.