Vitamin A and E profiles as biomarkers of PCB exposure in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the western Canadian Arctic.

Highlights: [•] We examine the influence of biology, ecology and contaminant exposure on vitamin A and E profiles in Arctic beluga whales. [•] PCBs altered vitamin profiles after accounting for sex, age, condition and feeding ecology. [•] We propose a toxicity reference value for the disruption of vitamin A and E profiles in beluga of 1.6mg/kg PCBs. [•] The use of vitamins as biomarkers of contaminant effects is contingent upon an understanding of wildlife biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]