Monitoring Spatially Resolved Trace Elements in Polar Bear Hair Using Single Spot Laser Ablation ICP-MS

    December 2020 in “ Ecological indicators ”
    Thea Bechshøft, Yi Luo, Alyssa M. Bohart, Andrew E. Derocher, Evan S. Richardson, Nicholas J. Lunn, D. Graham Pearson
    TLDR Laser ablation ICP-MS is effective for tracking trace elements in polar bear hair over time.
    This study utilized laser ablation ICP-MS to quantify trace elements in guard hairs (GH) and foreleg guard hairs (FGH) of 15 adult male polar bears. The research found significant differences in trace element concentrations between GH and FGH, with GH likely reflecting dietary intake during the transitional period of sea ice melt and reform. The study highlighted the potential of using FGH for long-term biomonitoring due to their longer growth period. This method provided high spatial resolution and could enhance understanding of environmental changes and their impact on polar bears.
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