Dead Orca Research Paper

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been commercially used since 1957, and has been employed to make certain plastics and epoxy resins. Bisphenol A has been made into a variety of common consumer goods, such as water bottles, CDs and DVDs. While in epoxy resins that contain Bisphenol A are used to line water pipes, coatings on the inside of beverage cans, and in thermal paper such as sales receipts. A research conducted by the Environmental Health Perspective has said that from the years 1992-1999 Bisphenol A has rose in human urine. In which has been resulted by the Environmental Health Perspective that the cause of rise of Bisphenol A in human consummation is the use of consumer goods such as the lining of beverage drinks, and certain water bottles (Environmental Health Perspective study WEB 2). Also with the rise of littering in the world such products are being thrown into lakes, ponds, and the oceans which is resulting in contamination. Which is greatly affecting the marine life, environment, and human life. So ultimately this experiment is being conducted to display the harmful physical effects of Bisphenol A on marine life, and if it can be later translated

Killer whales, otherwise called orcas, are the biggest individuals from the dolphin family and the top predator in their ecosystem. They are a standout amongst the most wise marine animals, particularly because of their intense faculties of sight and hearing. Their excellence has surprised people for years, yet for some orcas imprisonment restricts their opportunity and delight in life. It isn’t just harming the physical and psychological wellness of these creatures, but also represents a risk to coaches, yet individuals keep on profiting from killer whales.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl or PCBs is a chlorine based organic compound with the formula of C12H10−xCLx . Polychlorinated biphenyls was used in many different things such as coolants, lubricants for transformers, and other electrical equipment. The production of polychlorinated biphenyls is stopped all together in the united states in the year of 1977 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA did this due to the buildup of polychlorinated biphenyls found in the environment.

From 1947 to 1977, these two plants legally discharged from 500,000 to 1.5 million pounds of PCBs into the Hudson, and unknowingly saturated the bedrock beneath both sites with at least that much again. There are PCBs in Hudson River water, biota, and sediment from Hudson Falls to New York City - 200 miles that comprise the nations largest Superfund site. Pure PCBs are oozing out of the bedrock to this day, constantly recontaminating the river and over 300,000 pounds remain concentrated in bottom sediments of the river today. The spread of PCBs throughout the Hudson River and the food chain, which it supports, has created one of the most extensive hazardous waste problems in the nation. Polychlorinated biphenyl’s (PCBs) are a group of synthetic oil-like chemicals (therefore insoluble in water) of the organochlorine family. Until their toxic nature was recognized and their use was banned in the 1970s, they were widely used as insulation in electrical equipment, particularly transformers. Reputable chemists have since concluded, “it was probably a mistake ever to make or use PCBs.” These are serious poisons, which have been shown to cause damage to the reproductive, neurological and immune systems of wildlife and humans and are known to cause cancer. Exposure has also been linked to behavioral damage. Specifically, because PCBs in the body mimic estrogen, women of childbearing age and their infants are particularly susceptible

Killer whales are confined to tanks that are far too small for them. This can trigger unwanted and dangerous behaviors out of the whales (Humane Society). Would you want to live your life in a bathtub or a small pool? In 1987, trainer Jonathan Smith was performing with one of the orcas in a full audience. One of the orcas took a hold of his foot and dragged him to the very bottom of the tank. The whale brought him back to the surface and let go, but another orca then slammed into him and dragged him back under water. Smith eventually escaped with a lacerated liver, ruptured kidney, and cuts all around his torso. He thinks what may have triggered these behaviors is that fact that he was wearing a uniform that looked similar to a seal.

The problem with plastic ending up in the ocean is that marine life is being harmed by the presence of it. A study done on the harbor seals in the Netherlands found that more than 12% had plastic in the digestive system (California Coastal Commission). The list of affected species indicates that marine debris is affecting a significant number of species. It affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species (Save our shores). The problem is underestimated because the marine life that ingests plastic or dies from entanglement often goes undiscovered due to the vastness of the ocean, as they either sink or are eaten by predators before they are discovered (Plastic Debris). The potential harm from ingestion of plastics is not restricted to seabirds. Plastic bags drifting on ocean currents resemble the prey of turtles. There is evidence that their survival is being hindered by plastic debris with young sea turtles being vulnerable (Ocean pollution). Over the past 20 years polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have polluted marine food webs at an increasing rate, and are prevalent in seabirds. Though their adverse effects may not always be apparent, PCBs lead to reproductive disorders, increase the risk of disease and alter hormone levels. These chemicals have a detrimental effect on marine organisms even at very low levels and plastic pellets could be a route for PCBs into marine food

Orcas are also known as killer whales. Orcas have been around for many of years. They are the largest specie of the dolphin family. Most people recognize Orcas by being called “killer whales” and their color being black and white. Killer whales usually live up to 50 years old in the wild and a lot less in captive areas. Places such as Sea World have kept killer whales in captivity for many years. Although people enjoy the sight of the Orcas, we fail to see the harm it is causing them by keeping them in a secluded area. Are Killer Whales safer in confined spaces? Or should they be kept in their natural habitat? Being held captive limits their freedom and enjoyment of life and doesn’t allow them to be who they really are. Recent studies have shown that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) claims “To confine them in a space that is, at best, a tiny fraction of the size of their ocean home, depriving them of natural stimulation and social bonds, leads to boredom and, at worst, to poor

The North Pacific Gyre has a mass amount of plastic pollution which affects animals health, human health, and economy. One example, of animals health being affected was the chicks were dying of starvation, so they were digestion plastic in their stomach. Which resulted the stomach to be swollen and the chicks died. On the other hand, when people burn plastic black smoke is formed. Many people are being exposed to the gases that come out of the burn plastic. The two gases that are linked to cancer are dioxins and furans which affects individuals health. An example of plastic pollution affecting our economy is ruining many tourist destinations. The following tourists destinations that are covered in plastic are the Mediterranean sea bed, the

Killer whales, also known as orcas, should be released from captivity at SeaWorld. There are many problems with keeping orcas in captivity. Orcas become more aggressive, have a shortened life span, and are kept in tanks that are much too small for them, and for these reasons should be set free. Killer whales in captivity would have a much happier life if they were free.

Killer whales are one of the most fascinating displays of ocean life. The killer whale has characteristics that are important to its survival in the ocean. It is interesting to know that killer whales have a plentiful diet. It is astounding to see how killer whales behave in the ocean. I plan to tell you about the killer whale, its characteristics, its diet, and its behavior in the ocean as well as the predation of the orca.

“sparsity [sic] of knowledge about PCBs in the environment. Only general statements can be made about how PCBs reach the environment, how they reach target organisms, and how much is present.”

The results of this experiment revealed that with regards to viability, the chemicals infected and killed off more thymocytes than splenocytes. Considering that they thymus has more lymphocytes than the spleen, the researchers concluded that the chemicals had a really bad effect on the whales which is why the whales’ tissue were not healing because they were completely killed by these chemicals. While the results for the cell’s proliferation were not as bad in thymocytes as they were in splenocytes. The splenocytes could not make much of themselves as they normal would, their ability to divide was inhibited by the chemicals. The results were slightly different for each of the three organochlorines. Some of the chemicals did nothing but slow proliferation without actually killing off the cells while others did kill the

The goal of this case study was to understand the historical timeline of the production and management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A literature review of research studies and governmental legislation was conducted to understand how research has influenced the development of PCB policies and how key issues surrounding PCBs have been addressed. This case study will examine the dangers that PCBs present to the environment and their potential risk to humans and animals. This study will also follow a timeline of the EPA’s actions towards developing regulations in the past, and how the EPA has implemented laws today to tackle the key issues surrounding PCBs. We will explore the events that led up to the EPA’s decision to ban the production

Around the world, killer whale populations may be hurt by the effects of pollution mainly caused by toxins. Various chemicals, such as flame retardants, industrial pollutants, oils, and pesticides they have all been known to enter the oceans through waterways and they are all having a major impact on the killer whales. For now, It's safe for the killer whales because they want them to be well and keep them for long as possible.

PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins have been in focus recently as there are concerns that the different structures are appearing to mimic the effects of female oestrogenic hormones. (Gray 1996) These chemicals can cause genetic chromosomal problems and major concerns to the reproductive effectiveness of marine animals. Oil spills and the burning of wood and coal can cause poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which has a negative effect on all wildlife causing genetic abnormalities. (EMCBTAP-ENVIS Newsletter 2002).