Elemental composition of ten different tissues from a stranded sperm whale ( <i>Physeter macrocephalus</i> ) in the Mediterranean sea

Understanding the distribution of essential and toxic elements across biological tissues is crucial for comprehending their transport mechanisms and monitoring their potential contamination. Odontocetes, as apex predators and long-lived organisms, are particularly vulnerable to element accumulation. This study focuses on analyzing 14 essential and toxic elements in ten different tissues sampled from a young male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the coast of Forio (Ischia Island, Naples, Italy) in 2018. Results highlighted how the highest amounts were accumulated in liver and kidney, with stomach and testis serving as secondary storage tissues. Our findings highlight the significance of monitoring toxic contaminants in stranded sperm whales, as they act as sentinels of environmental pollution