Fig. 2.
Metal concentrations in all sperm whales biopsied in the Gulf of Mexico. Average concentrations of Ba, Co, Mo, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Al, Fe, and Mg decreased over time. Meanwhile, V and Pb showed increased concentrations across years. Sample sizes were 40, 53, and 47 for 2010, 2011, and 2012 respectively. Data represented as mean ± standard deviation in units of μg/g tissue. Data are divided into panels solely for optimal visualization. (A) Metals with mean skin concentrations less than 1 μg/g; (B) Metals with mean skin concentrations between 1 and 30 μg/g; (C) Metals with mean skin concentrations greater than 50 μg/g.