DOI: 10.5061/dryad.pc866t20f
title: Demographic information and phthalate metabolite concentrations (µg/L) detected in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) urine sampled from Barataria Bay, LA during 2011-2023 and Sarasota Bay, FL during 2010-2019, 2022-2024

description: Exposure to phthalate esters has previously been documented in bottlenose
 dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting an urban estuary (Sarasota Bay,
 FL, USA; 2010-2019). Phthalates are chemicals commonly added to plastic
 products and consumer goods to enhance qualities such as flexibility,
 fragrance, and stability. These chemicals are known to leach out of
 plastic products and into the marine environment, leaving wildlife
 vulnerable to reproductive, developmental, and metabolic health effects.
 Environmental phthalate exposure has been shown to vary relative to human
 activity and urbanization. To evaluate potential differences in dolphin
 exposure risk, urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were compared
 between free-ranging bottlenose dolphins from an urban (Sarasota Bay, FL,
 USA; 2010-2023; n= 71 ) and rural estuary (Barataria Bay, LA, USA;
 2011-2023; n = 45). The magnitude of MEHP detection did not differ
 significantly between sampling sites (p = 0.97); however, MEHP was
 detected more frequently in Sarasota Bay dolphins (73.24%; n=52; 95% CI:
 61.20-82.73) than Barataria Bay dolphins (33.33%; n = 15; 95% CI: 20.00 -
 48.95%). Further, dolphins from Sarasota Bay may be exposed to a greater
 diversity of phthalates compared to Barataria Bay dolphins as indicated by
 differences in the detected phthalate metabolite profile. Notably,
 Barataria dolphins were also affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,
 warranting additional studies of potential phthalate sources and health
 implications among these dolphins. 
description: Each urine sample was screened for seven phthalate metabolites
 (MEP, MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MBzP, MiBP, and MBP). Urine samples (1 mL) were
 spiked with isotopically labeled internal standards for each metabolite
 before proceeding to a glucuronidation step to release monoesters from
 their conjugated forms (Blount et al., 2000). Following glucuronidation,
 samples were extracted via SPE (Agilent Bond Elute Nexus) then separated
 and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC; Agilent
 1100; WatersXBridge BEH C18, 2.5 μm, 2.1 x 50 mm analytical column)
 coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS; Applied Biosystems
 Sciex API 4000) with electrospray ionization (ESI negative) interface.
 Sample integrations were performed using Analyst software (Sciex ver 1.5).
 Prior to the acquisition of sample data, the instrument was calibrated
 (standard reference material (SRM) 3060: monoester phthalates in
 acetonitrile); coefficients of determination (r2) for all metabolites were
 ≥ 0.995.  Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
 samples (reagent blanks, reagent spikes, matrix spikes, SRM 3672 Organic
 Contaminants in Smokers’ Urine, and field blanks) were processed alongside
 the urine samples. Reagent and field blank values were subtracted from the
 determined concentration value to account for any metabolite contamination
 resulting from laboratory processes. Acceptable QA/QC criteria for spike
 (reagent and matrix) and SRM recoveries were 70%-130%. The limit of
 detection (LOD) was determined for each metabolite and is based on the
 lowest point on the calibration curve that could be detected on the
 instrument divided by the volume of the sample extracted.
description: # Demographics and phthalate metabolite concentrations (µg/L) detected in
 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) urine sampled from Barataria Bay,
 LA during 2011-2023 and Sarasota Bay, FL during 2010-2024.
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pc866t20f](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pc866t20f) ## Description of the data and file structure Bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*)* *sampled for this study were from the Barataria Bay Estuarine System Stock occupying Barataria Basin in Louisiana, and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) stock that includes dolphins using Sarasota Bay, and Little Sarasota Bay (Tyson and Wells, 2016) in Florida. Catch-and-release health assessments of the dolphins in Barataria Bay, LA were conducted in 2011, 2013-2014, 2017-2019, and 2023, and in Sarasota Bay, FL during 2010-2019, 2022-2024 in which dolphins of interest were encircled by a net and lifted onto a veterinary examination boat where urine and other biological sampling was conducted. Urine was collected from each dolphin via catheterization by a trained veterinarian and stored at -80℃ until sample analysis. Urine samples and blanks were frozen in liquid nitrogen for storage and transport prior to analysis. Samples were stored at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Biorepository (Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA). ### Files and variables #### File: Frontiers\_Dolphin\_Urine\_Data\_REPOSITORY.xlsx **Description:**  ##### Variables * Tab "PHTHALATE METABOLITE RAW DATA" - provides concentrations of each phthalate metabolite quantified from individual dolphin urine samples; no missing values * Tab "LOD VALUES" - provides values for the limit of detection for each phthalate metabolite; no missing values * Tab "DATA GUIDE" - provides information on the variables provided in Tabs 1, 2; no missing values * Tab "ABBREVIATIONS GUIDE" - provides the full term for each abbreviation used in Tabs 1, 2; no missing values