Abstract

Spatial analysis of legacy organochlorines in California Sea Lions
Track: Public Health
Authors: Nistara Randhawa, Frances Gulland, Estella Geraghty, Christopher Barker, Gina Ylitalo, Jonna Mazet

Organochlorine contaminants (OCs) are widespread in the environment and adversely impact human and mammal health. Since marine mammals accumulate OCs in their blubber layers, we studied sea lions off the central coast of California for evidence of specific OCs. Cluster analysis identified significant spatial trends, while ordinary least squares regression analysis ascertained temporal trends. This work offers important implications between environmental exposure to OCs and mammalian health.