POP, pathogen, stable isotope data in walruses from Svalbard

The dataset PPARA.data contains following parameters -experiment and plate number - solvent used - name of the receptor the cells were transfected with - name of the species for receptor the cells were transfected with - test/control compound name - test/control concentration (uM) - luciferase activities, measured as luminescence, corrected for differences in transfection efficiencies by normalized β-galactosidase activities (A420 nm) for test compounds - luciferase activities, measured as luminescence, corrected for differences in transfection efficiencies by normalized β-galactosidase activities (A420 nm) for solvent controls (average per plate) - percentage of solvent used The dataset viability.data contains following parameters -experiment and plate number - test used - test compound concentration (uM) - fluoresence for test compounds - fluoresence for solvent (average per plate)

Cq values, PCR effiencies, RNA quality, POP data ng/g ww, thyroid hormones, biological info in walruses

Phthalate diester concentrations were measured in blubber/adipose tissue of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled from the Barents and Greenland seas. Additionally, plasma samples from polar bears were analysed for total concentrations of phthalate monoester metabolites including their free and glucuronated forms. In vitro reporter gene assays were used to assess transcriptional activity of fin whale nuclear receptors by selected phthalates. Membrane integrity and metabolic activity were monitored as a measure for the viability of the cells used for reportor gene assays.

The data show concentrations of total mercury (THg) in hair from female adult (>4 years, n= 185) and sub-adult (1-4 years; n= 14) polar bears from the Barents Sea subpopulation management regime. The samples were collected in spring of each year between 1995 and 2016 (except 2001 and 2002). Additionally, the samples were analysed for stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C), sulfur (δ34S), and nitrogen (δ15N) to approximate feeding habits (δ13C and δ34S: marine vs. terrestrial diet, δ15N: trophic level). It was assumed that δ34S could be a potential indicator for bacterial mercury methylation. The data were used to explore temporal trend of THg, and how they were affected by changes in feeding habits, and changes in body condition, breeding status, and age. The THg concentrations are given in µg/g hair; and values of all stable isotopes in ‰. Polar bear length and girth are given in cm, and weight in kg. Breeding status refers to females captured alone (n), with cubs of the year (c), or with one or two year old offspring (y, 2y).

Data on various environmental resources have been assessed for vulnerability to acute oil pollution and given a priority 1 to 3, 3 being the most vulnerable. Resources included are shoreline cultural heritage sites, walrus and harbour seal haul-out sites, seabird colonies, anadromous Arctic charr river outlets, and shoreline substrate. The dataset is meant to help prioritize clean-up efforts in the immediate phase after a spill has occurred.

The data show concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in plasma and adipose tissue of adult female polar bears from Svalbard sampled in spring and autumn, 2012-2013. The data was used to explore what determines the variation in concentrations of PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and brominated flame retardants in adult female polar bears from Svalbard. The predictor variables included samplig season, location, feeding habits (approximated by stable isotopes and fatty acid composition), body condition index, fasting status (the ratio between plasma urea in mmol/L and creatinine μmol/L), age (years) and breeding status. All contaminant concentrations are in ng/g wet weight in the data file, but were lipid corrected (concentration/fat%*100) in the publication (except OH-PCBs). Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, d13C and d15N, were analysed in red blood cells and are shown in ‰ unit. Fatty acid composition was determined in adipose tissue and shown in % unit. Breeding status refers to females captured alone (no), or with cubs of the year (coy) or with one or two year old offspring (yrl).