Date of Creation
3-12-2026
Document Type
Dataset
Abstract
The South American sea lion (Otaria byronia; SASL) and the Peruvian fur seal (Arctocephalus australis; PFS) are apex predators within the Humboldt Current ecosystem, where population dynamics respond to both natural variability and anthropogenic pressures, including El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and coastal mining. This study quantified 18 trace elements (TEs) in canine dentin from both species collected at Punta San Juan, Peru using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to evaluate long-term environmental exposure. Because dentin is deposited incrementally, it preserves a chronological chemical archive reflecting ontogenetic shifts in diet and habitat use. Overall, TE concentrations were broadly similar between species; however, SASL exhibited elevated barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn), consistent with differences in foraging ecology and trophic position. Age-related variation was evident for several elements, including cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lithium (Li), molybdenum (Mo), and Zn, likely reflecting maternal transfer, developmental dietary transitions, and changing physiological demands. The strong 2015/2016 El Niño event corresponded with increased arsenic (As) and decreased aluminum (Al) and Cu concentrations, indicating that oceanographic conditions and associated changes in productivity and coastal runoff influence TE bioavailability and incorporation. Comparisons with other pinniped populations further revealed regional differences in exposure linked to local environmental conditions and prey composition. These findings demonstrate that dentin provides a robust matrix for reconstructing temporal patterns of TE accumulation. Species-specific, age-related, and environment-driven trends offer valuable insights into ecosystem health and contribute to conservation and management strategies for SASL and PFS populations along the Peruvian coast.
Recommended Citation
Giarikos, Dimitrios; Hirons, Amy; Sheehan, Ally E.; and Santos, Radleigh, "Peruvian Pinniped Teeth Trace Element Data-Tracking ecosystem variabilites through trace element record found in peruvian pinniped dentin" (2026). SECLER Data. 10.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/secler_data/10
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Inorganic Chemistry Commons, Other Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, Sustainability Commons