Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Kaplan, Barbara

Committee Member

Peterman, Beth

Committee Member

McNulty, Kaylin

Committee Member

Moore, Debra

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 6 months

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Veterinary & Biomedical Science (Toxicology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Veterinary Medicine

Department

Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine

Abstract

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are native to the Mississippi Sound (MSS), a region characterized by significant human activity that can contribute to elevated levels of environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and patterns of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of these contaminants in bottlenose dolphins and the contribution from prey species. Dolphin tissues, fish tissues, and whole fish were collected and analyzed for seven PCBs, naphthalene, and nine metals. Results indicated that persistent contaminants, particularly PCB153 and mercury, exhibited evidence of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Naphthalene and all other metals showed limited evidence of biomagnification. Regardless of the mechanisms of exposure or bioaccumulation, the presence of these contaminants may affect the overall health of this dolphin population, highlighting the importance of long-term surveillance.

Sponsorship (Optional)

This project was funded under a memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act project number 3000027046 awarded to Mississippi State University Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security.

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