[en] Marine mammals may display high heavy metal levels in their tissues, which raises the question of the importance of toxic metal transfer from mother to offspring. Some lactating female phocids fast during the suckling period. This fasting period involves not only an important mobilization of energy reserves, but also mobilization of potentially associated contaminants. We studied maternal transfer of trace metals to offspring in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Trace metal concentrations were measured in whole blood, milk and hair of mother-pup pairs in early and late lactation. Metal levels in blood decreased according to the following pattern: Fe > Zn > Se > Cu > Hg > Pb > Cr > V in mothers and pups. Cd and Ni were not detected and V, Cr and Pb levels were very low in maternal and pup blood. However, Ni and Pb levels were detected in the milk showing a transmammary transfer of these metals. Hg levels in blood and milk were higher than levels of previous metals and levels varied significantly throughout lactation. The increasing maternal levels over lactation were likely due to the remobilization of energy reserves during fasting and milk production in mothers causing a Hg release in blood. All metals were detected in hair and lanugo according to the following pattern: Fe > Zn > Hg > Cu > Se > Ni > V > Pb > Cd > Cr in mothers and Zn > Fe > Hg > Se > Cu > Pb > Ni > V > Cr > Cd in pups. Pb levels were relatively high in comparison with other phocid species. Only Hg showed a significant relationship between hair/lanugo and blood levels. This study highlights (i) a transplacental and transmammary transfer of metals in grey seals, and shows that (ii) physiological processes such as lactation and/or fasting can modify trace metal levels in the blood of mothers and pups.
