Present in the Aquatic Environment, Unclear Evidence in Top Predators-The Unknown Effects of Anti-Seizure Medication on Eurasian Otters (Lutra lutra) from Northern Germany.

ABSTRACT: Emerging contaminants are produced globally at high rates and often ultimately find their way into the aquatic environment. These include substances contained in anti-seizure medication (ASM), which are currently appearing in surface waters at increasing concentrations in Germany. Unintentional and sublethal, chronic exposure to pharmaceuticals such as ASMs has unknown consequences for aquatic wildlife. Adverse effects of ASMs on the brain development are documented in mammals. Top predators such as Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) are susceptible to the bioaccumulation of environmental pollutants. Still little is known about the health status of the otter population in Germany, while the detection of various pollutants in otter tissue samples has highlighted their role as an indicator

SUBMITTER: Rohner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10142713 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature