Accumulation of lead, cadmium, and mercury in liver and kidney of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in relation to the season, age, and sex in the West Slovakian Lowland

Influence of age, habitat elevation, and distance to a thermal power plant on pathomorphological findings in the European brown hare (Lepuseuropaeus P.)

The lifespan of the European hare (Lepus europaeus P.) is affected by a number of negative factors, including pollutants. In this paper, the individual and joint influence of age and habitat (elevation and distance from the thermal power plant - TPP) on pathomorphological findings of hares shot during three hunting seasons was investigated. Pathomorphological changes were found in 95.12% of hares. In hares up to 1 year of age, the changes were predominant in the lungs, and in older hares, in the kidneys. Degenerative changes in kidneys and liver and inflammatory changes in kidneys and lungs were considered important most in discussing the influence of chemical pollution. The proximity of TPP influenced the type of changes in the liver. A significant joint effect of age and elevation on the type of changes in the lungs of adult hares and on the heart of young hares was found. Elevation and distance from TPP had a joint effect on the occurrence of changes in the lungs, intestines, and heart in hares from the field farther from TPP. The results indicate that the hares were highly exposed to chemical pollutants that may affect their immunity, and lifespan.

Effects of Long-Term Lead Exposure on Antioxidant Enzyme Defense System in Organs of Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas) as a Bioindicator of Environmental Pollution in Croatia

In Croatia, Podravina is a well-known lead-polluted region due to the intensive exploitation of natural gas, a highly developed agricultural industry, and a traffic hub with several heavily traveled roads. It represents a natural environment with a great variety of wildlife, especially hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas), which may serve as an indicator for environmental quality assessment. This study was conducted to estimate the bioaccumulation of lead in hare liver, kidney, muscle, and brain during long-term exposure and its impact on the oxidative status of the organism and to investigate a possible lead exchange ionic mechanism in the brain. In the organs of two hare groups (experimental from polluted area and control from the island of Krk), Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, lead concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme defense system were analyzed. The accumulation of lead was highest in the brain (3.7-fold higher compared to the control group) and lowest in the liver (1.6-fold higher compared to the control group). Kendall-Tau and multiple regression analysis showed that the increased lead content caused a stronger exchange of Ca and Na ions in the brain. We proposed that lead either mobilizes intracellular cation stores or causes competitive displacement of Ca from the binding site in intoxicated cells. A linear predictive model for cell intoxication by lead was proposed, where GPx and SOD were predominantly influenced by long-term lead exposure. The presented results showed that long-term lead exposure in hares negatively affected their oxidative status and caused the strongest toxicity in the brain and muscles, making their survival and/or population vulnerable.

The European Hare (Lepus europaeus) as a Biomonitor of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Occurrence in the Agro Biotope of Vojvodina, Serbia

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of two heavy metals, lead and cadmium, in European hare liver samples, collected in agro biotope of northern Serbian province Vojvodina. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) do not have any biological function in the animal body; however, they can be found due to the pollution in the environment. For the purpose of this study, in 196 samples from 17 different locations hare livers were analyzed for the occurrence of lead and cadmium. All samples were taken from hares harvested during the regular hunting season. The average value for lead in all analyzed samples was 884 µg/kg fresh weight (fw), with the range 59–3700 µg/kg fw. Only samples from two locations had the average concentration of lead which was within the permitted limit by the Serbian regulation. The average cadmium level in all samples was 243 µg/kg fw. The range of all samples was from 0 to 1414 µg/kg fw. Our research indicates that out of two investigated heavy metals, the occurrence of lead is more common and at a higher concentration in the agricultural development region of Vojvodina.

Protective effect of Geophila obvallata (Shumach) Didr leaf extract and its fractions against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a known nephro-toxicant. This research determined the ameliorative effects of Geophila obvallata crude methanol extract (Me70) and its fractions on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Male rats were randomly allocated to nine (9) groups of six (6) rats each. Group I was given normal water and feed only. Group II received 0.3 mg Cd/L only for two weeks. Groups III, IV, V, VI and VII were pre-exposed to aqueous, ethyl acetate, hexane, butanol and chloroform fractions of Me70, each at a dose of 50 mg/kg bwt for fourteen (14) days prior to treatment with 0.3 mg Cd/L for a further two weeks. Group VIII was pre-exposed to Me70 at a dose of 50 mg/kg bwt for fourteen (14) days, prior to administration of 0.3 mg Cd/L for fourteen (14) days, while group IX received 50 mg/kg.bwt of Me70 only for fourteen (14) days. The treatments were administered daily for twenty-eight (28) days via oral gavage. Cadmium levels in the kidney tissues of Cd-treated rats increased significantly while their body weights decreased relative to control. The levels of kidney function markers in the plasma, lipid peroxidation levels, catalase activity, metallothionine (MT-1) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) mRNA were increased significantly, while glutathione (GSH) levels, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor -gamma coactivator- 1-alpha (PGC-1α), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQ-O1) were decreased significantly in rats treated with Cd-only. Overall, pre-treatment with Me70 produced better protection from the toxic effects of cadmium induction in experimental rats.

The influence of preferred habitat and daily range of the European hare on its contamination by heavy metals: a case study from the West Carpathians

The Spišská Magura mountain range, located in the Middle Spiš, is one of the regions in Slovakia most contaminated by heavy metals resulting from mining and smelting activities. Heavy metals and other potentially toxic elements have accumulated in mountain areas via atmospheric transport. The influence of the daily range size of the European hare on its contamination by heavy metals was investigated in three habitat types (forest, woodland edge, meadow) in the Spišská Magura mountain range in the West Carpathians. Individual hares (n = 21) were traced and located by GPS following snowfall. Pair samples of their faeces (n = 64) and food (n = 64) were collected from feeding sites. The maps created were used for determination of the size of the daily range as being small or large. All hares that have a small daily range avoid meadows and open spaces due to the higher predation risk. However, individuals with a large daily range feed in all habitats, including meadows. Hares with a small daily range in a forest habitat ingested higher amounts of bio-elements Ca, Cr, S, and Mn as well as higher amounts of heavy metals Ba and Pb than hares with a large daily range. Moreover, dominant hares with a small daily range, with access to abundant food sources in a forest habitat, may gradually take on higher levels of bio-elements including heavy metals that are present in their food source. In contrast, in the woodland edge, hares with a small daily range had a smaller concentration of Ca, Cr, Mn, S, Ba, and Pb compared to hares with a large daily range. Caecotrophy plays a very significant role as far as the intake of nutrients and other elements is concerned. We found significant dependence between concentrations of the elements Cr, S, Ba, Pb, and Cd in the food of European hares and in their faeces.

Current and historical nephric and hepatic mercury concentrations in terrestrial mammals in Poland and other European countries

The long-term anthropogenic release of mercury (Hg) into the environment has led to contamination of the biosphere, with all forms of Hg showing toxic effects and the ability to accumulate in organisms. Since the 1970s, efforts have been made in Western Europe to reduce Hg emissions and for the economic use of Hg, leading to a reduction in Hg exposure to humans and entire ecosystems. The purpose of this research was to present the total mercury (THg) burden in three mustelids (the piscivorous Eurasian otter and American mink, and the invertebrativorous European badger) inhabiting north-western Poland (mostly floodplains) and other European countries (literature data). Moreover, we wanted to investigate whether reductions in the environmental Hg burden in Europe have resulted in reductions in liver and kidney levels in wild terrestrial mammals (Eurasian otter, wild boar, red deer, roe deer, cervids, leporids, rodents, and ecotrophic groups: piscivorous mustelids, non-mustelids whose diets include aquatic prey, canids and other carnivores, omnivores, herbivores), between samples collected before and after 2000. We revealed significantly higher nephric THg levels in roadkilled than in trapped American minks. As roadkilled piscivorous mustelids from the same floodplain had similar hepatic and nephric THg concentrations, we suggest that the European research on Hg ecotoxicology should more often use alien American mink instead of the protected Eurasian otter. Badgers inhabiting Polish and other European floodplains bioaccumulated higher amounts of THg than those from other areas, and as such, may be recommended as bioindicator of mercury soil contamination. Our analysis of abundant data on mammalian hepatic and nephric THg concentrations (excluding non-piscivores mustelids) showed that in 12 of 21 cases, Hg concentrations had dropped significantly since 2000. This data signals a reduction in Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals, such as the Eurasian otter, and may be reason for cautious optimism.

Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs

Reproductive organs are essential not only for the life of an individual but also for the survival and development of the species. The response of reproductive organs to toxic substances differs from that of other target organs, and they may serve as an ideal “barometer” for the deleterious effects of environmental pollution on animal and human health. The incidence of infertility, cancers, and associated maladies has increased in the last fifty years or more, while various anthropogenic activities have released into the environment numerous toxic substances, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. Data from epidemiological studies suggested that environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury may have produced reproductive and developmental toxicity. The present review focused on experimental studies using rats, mice, avian, and rabbits to demonstrate unambiguously effects of cadmium, lead, or mercury on the structure and function of reproductive organs. In addition, relevant human studies are discussed. The experimental studies reviewed have indicated that the testis and ovary are particularly sensitive to cadmium, lead, and mercury because these organs are distinguished by an intense cellular activity, where vital processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis occur. In ovaries, manifestation of toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, or mercury included decreased follicular growth, occurrence of follicular atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum, and alterations in cycle. In testes, toxic effects following exposure to cadmium, lead, or mercury included alterations of seminiferous tubules, testicular stroma, and decrease of spermatozoa count, motility and viability, and aberrant spermatozoa morphology.

Feathers and hair as tools for non-destructive pollution exposure assessment in a mining site of the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Mining is responsible of releasing trace elements to the environment with potential negative effects on wildlife. Traditionally, wildlife exposure assessment has been developed by analyzing mainly environmental compartments or internal tissues. Nowadays, the use of non-destructive matrices such as hair or feathers has increased. Nevertheless, its use in free-living terrestrial mammals or in birds other than raptors or passerines is less frequent. The main objective of our study was to determine the potential for hair and feathers in a rabbit and bird species to be used as non-invasive proxy tissues for assessing internal metal concentrations at polluted sites from mining. We tested whether hair of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and feathers of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) can be used as non-destructive biological monitoring tools of both essential (Cu, Zn) and non-essential (Pb, Cd, As) trace elements in a currently active copper mining site. We found significant different concentrations, particularly in non-essential elements, between reference area and mining site. Non-essential elements Pb and Cd showed higher correlations between tissues and hair/feathers, while few significant patterns were observed for essential elements such as Cu and Zn. Although feathers showed lower levels of correlation with internal tissues than hair, both could be useful as non-destructive biological monitoring tools. Further tissues, and more importantly, hair and feathers allowed discrimination between polluted and reference sites to indicate bioavailability and pollution status. In addition, hair and feathers can be used in monitoring pollution of an active mining site, being specially interesting for biomonitoring a certain period of time in the event of a particular episode of pollution, in addition to the chronic exposure. As occurred with hair in rabbits, feathers seem to be a good compartment to detect differences between a potential polluted area, such the surrounding of an active mine site, and a non-polluted area.

Nutritional Composition and Heavy Metal Content in Breast and Thigh Muscles of Wild and Intensively Reared Common Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

Introduction

Differing conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds.

Material and Methods

The tests were performed on the breast and thigh muscles of 20 wild and 20 farm bred birds from around Lublin, Poland, with equal sex representation. The nutrient and lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel contents were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

Results

The farmed pheasants had a higher proportion of breast muscle. The thigh muscles of all birds had a higher fat content than the breast muscles (5.1 g vs. 3.4 g per kg of natural weight). The macroelement level depended on the muscle type and bird origin. The trace element content also did and gender dependence was also evident. The wild birds contained more cadmium in the breast muscles and lead in both muscles than the farm-raised ones.

Conclusion

The high quality and usefulness of wild and farmed pheasant meat is confirmed. It has advantageous macro- and trace element contents and permissible heavy metal contents except for lead in wild birds. The heavy metal level can be a bioindicator of their environmental occurrence. In wild birds, the lead level may also reflect birdshot remnants.

Are soft tissues of urban rats good indicators of exposure to heavy metal pollution? A study conducted in one of the most polluted basins of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The overall goal of this work was to analyze the relationship between the concentration of lead in the kidney, liver, and stomach contents of rats captured in a polluted urban basin and the concentration of this metal in the environment, meteorological factors, and different intrinsic characteristics of the individuals. To this end, we determined the concentration of lead in the kidney, liver, and stomach contents of 133 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (Buenos Aires, Argentina). This basin is one of the most severe cases of water pollution in Latin America and metals like lead represent the most common chemical pollutants. Rats were trapped in nine sites with different soil and water lead concentrations, between 2014 and 2015. A positive relationship was found between lead concentration in the liver and kidney of R. norvegicus and the environmental concentration of this metal in water and soil. Although the remaining variables analyzed were also related to the lead concentration in soft tissues, they did not affect the association between the lead concentration in soft tissues and that in the environment. The lead concentration in the stomach contents was not related to any of the variables analyzed. Our results constitute the first study in an urban basin with a gradient of environmental lead concentration and suggest that the quantification of lead in the kidney and liver of rats can be used as an indicator of exposure to this metal within a large city.

Content of essential and non-essential elements in wild animals from western Ukraine and the health risks associated with meat and liver consumption

The meat and offal from game animals may act as sources of both essential and non-essential elements and the presence of high levels of toxic elements in their tissues can pose a serious threat to human health. The purpose of the work was to determine the levels of selected toxic and non-toxic elements in the tissues of free-living animals from western Ukraine and to assess the health risks associated with meat and liver consumption. The test material comprised muscle, liver and kidney samples taken from 12 wild boar (Sus scrofa), 10 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 8 hares (Lepus europaeus L.). All material was obtained from the Lviv region, western Ukraine. The obtained results indicate the presence of a relatively high Pb content in free-living animals in western Ukraine. The permissible concentration of this element was exceeded in all meat and offal samples. In the case of Cd, exceeded permissible values were observed in the muscle of wild boar (30% of samples) and kidney of wild boar (8% of samples), roe deer (20% of samples) and brown hare (12% of samples). The highest HQ values were observed for Fe, Cd, Zn and Mn in the consumed liver and meat of the tested animals. However, in neither case was the HQ or HI found to be greater than 1, which indicates a low probability of the development of adverse health effects associated with the consumption of game.

Lead seasonality in humans, animals, and the natural environment

Lead adversely impacts the health of humans, animals, and the natural environment. Higher lead burdens in warm weather occur in humans, domesticated and wild animals; land and water species; urban and rural, developed and pristine environments. The array of evidence suggests that lead seasonality is multifactorial within the natural world, including humans. Seasonally higher temperatures, solar radiation, humidity and anthropogenic pollution result in lower pH (acidification) in air, water and soil. Environmental acidification increases lead's bioavailability and mobility thus intensifying human, animal and plant exposures. In addition, lead seasonality in the biosphere is influenced by higher growth rates, slightly increased exposures, and more Vitamin D metabolism. Methodologically, we applied a One Health perspective to EPA's Integrated Science Assessments of Lead to review the published literature, supplemented with subsequent and related publications to assess data on the seasonality of lead exposure across species and through the earth's systems. Our integrated assessment suggests that: 1) 'Seasonality' is a multifactorial, terrestrial phenomenon affecting the natural world; human activities have exacerbated natural cyclicities that impact lead exposures across species. 2) To be sustainable, human lead remediation strategies must consider the total environment. 3) Global warming and climate change events may increase lead exposures and toxicity to all species throughout the natural environment.

Relationship between heavy metal accumulation and morphometric parameters in European hare (Lepus europaeus) inhabiting various types of landscapes in southern Poland

To evaluate the influence of hazardous substances in the environment, studies of pollutant accumulation in wild living animals are needed. Studies dealing with heavy metal contamination in mammals usually focus on a single organ. We investigated accumulation of heavy metals as well as iron in European hare (Lepus europaeus) living in southern Poland, Małopolska Province. Hares were captured during the hunting season. We tested metal accumulation in 14 organs and tissues using 35 individuals with known body weight and sex inhabiting agricultural, industrial and other types of landscapes. To obtain deeper insight into contamination patterns, we used accumulation data from the liver since it is the most frequently investigated organ and prone to pollution accumulation. Based on the data obtained for the liver, we tested the impact of metal pollution on hare morphology, including body length and several skull cranimetric parameters. Metals content differed between organs. Moreover, individuals from industrial areas had higher Cd content in their body. We distinguished two groups of elements: the first group, Cd, Fe and Zn, revealed the highest toxic effect in the liver and kidneys; the second group, Cr, Ni, and Pb, accumulated primarily in the brain. Hares inhabiting industrial areas had higher concentration of Cd and Pb, and lower levels of Cr and Fe in their liver in comparison with those from agricultural and forest habitats. Heavy metals had an effect on body length that was negatively associated with Cr levels. Skull diastema length was associated positively with accumulation of Cd and Pb. We showed that hare organs and tissues could be used as bioindicators of environmental pollution by heavy metals.

Seasonal variations in the blood concentration of selected heavy metals in sheep and their effects on the biochemical and hematological parameters

The main objective of this study was to assess the concentration of various heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg) in the blood of sheep, followed by biochemical and hematological analysis in order to reveal possible associations. Blood was collected in two different seasons: winter (fed by fodder) and spring (grazing animals). The higher concentrations of Pb (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.05) and Hg, but lower of Cd and Zn were found in spring. Evaluation of the biochemical and hematological parameters during different seasons showed a possible environmental effect on the health of animals. A statistically significant increase of Ca (p < 0.001), Mg (p < 0.05), urea (p < 0.001), TP (p < 0.05), glucose (p < 0.01), AST (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.001), ALP (p < 0.01), cholesterol (p < 0.001), bilirubin (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and a decrease of P (p < 0.05), HGB (p < 0.05), MCHC (p < 0.05) and RDWc (p < 0.05) in spring was detected. The results of this study showed statistically significant correlations between Pb and ALP (r = 0.53) level in winter and between Pb and Ca (r = -0.73) in the spring. The hematological analysis revealed a significant correlation between Zn and RBC (r = 0.61), MCV (r = -0.74), MCH (r = -0.71) and between Pb and MCH (r = -0.55), PCT (r = -0.66), PDWC (r = -0.55) in the winter. A high positive significant correlations were found between Cd and RDWC (r = 0.77) and Cu and RDWC (r = 0.75). The significance of this work is the use the data in the preventive diagnosis of metabolic and production diseases. The collected data may serve as a control indicator to detect toxic hazards related to the heavy metal occurrence on animal health status.

Arsenic deposition in tissues of the European hare (Lepus europaeus)

The work deals with arsenic deposition in individual biological matrices of the European hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.). The aim of this work was to evaluate the arsenic deposition in biological matrices of adult hares distributed by sex, and to highlight the need for monitoring this element in the natural environment. Determination of arsenic concentration was carried out on 11 biomarkers in 105 adult hares from variously loaded areas of the Czech Republic. Individual matrices include the liver, kidneys, brain, adipose tissue, reproductive organs, bone, fur, faeces, lungs, skeletal muscle and the heart. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed as a method to detect arsenic concentrations in the tissues. Arsenic deposition in the monitored biological matrices of adult animals showed no significant differences between sexes. The ratio of arsenic concentration in the skeletal muscle as compared with concentration in other tissues was 1:2.96 in the liver, followed by 1:4.35 in kidneys, 1:1.07 in the heart, 1:2.73 in lungs, 1:3.12 in ovaries, 1:3.30 in testicles, 1:5.90 in bones, 1:114.68 in fur, and 1:60.05 in faeces. Deposition of this element in matrices has a similar character and only differs in concentrations.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation and histopathological alterations in wild Arctic hares (Lepus arcticus) inhabiting a former lead-zinc mine in the Canadian high Arctic: A preliminary study

A preliminary study was undertaken to determine post-mining baseline accumulation of selected trace metals, and histopathological alterations in free-living arctic hares (Lepus arcticus) inhabiting the vicinity of a former lead-zinc mine located on North Baffin Island in the Canadian High Arctic. Trace metal analysis included measurement of As, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn in tissues, and histopathological assessment comprised of evaluation and scoring the severity of metal-induced hepatic and renal lesions. Metal contents in hepatic and renal tissues from hares from the mine area compared with the reference locations did not differ significantly suggesting that the animals are not uniformly exposed to background levels of metals in the environment. However, relatively higher accumulation pattern of Pb and Cd were noted in liver tissues of hare from the mine area compared to the background area, but did not induce increased lesions. Surface soils near the mine area contained relatively higher levels of trace metals (Zn>Mn>Pb>Cd>As) compared to reference soils, and with soil levels of Cd showing strong correlation with Cd accumulation in kidney tissues. Generally, both case and reference animals showed similar but varying severities of hepatic and renal lesions at the sublethal level, notably vascular congestion, occasional large hepatocyte nuclei, binucleate hepatocytes, yellow-brown pigmentation in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and clustering of lymphocytes. Only hares with relatively higher accumulation of Pb from the mine area showed evidence of renal edema and hemorrhage of the capsular surface. This study constitutes the first assessment of metal induced histopathological alterations in arctic hares exposed to a historical mining area in the high arctic.

Use of handheld X-ray fluorescence as a non-invasive method to distinguish between Asian and African elephant tusks

We describe the use of handheld X-ray fluorescence, for elephant tusk species identification. Asian (n = 72) and African (n = 85) elephant tusks were scanned and we utilized the species differences in elemental composition to develop a functional model differentiating between species with high precision. Spatially, the majority of measured elements (n = 26) exhibited a homogeneous distribution in cross-section, but a more heterologous pattern in the longitudinal direction. Twenty-one of twenty four elements differed between Asian and African samples. Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis followed by a stepwise discriminant analysis, which identified elements for the functional equation. The best equation consisted of ratios of Si, S, Cl, Ti, Mn, Ag, Sb and W, with Zr as the denominator. Next, Bayesian binary regression model analysis was conducted to predict the probability that a tusk would be of African origin. A cut-off value was established to improve discrimination. This Bayesian hybrid classification model was then validated by scanning an additional 30 Asian and 41 African tusks, which showed high accuracy (94%) and precision (95%) rates. We conclude that handheld XRF is an accurate, non-invasive method to discriminate origin of elephant tusks provides rapid results applicable to use in the field.

Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera against cadmium toxicity in rats

Aim:

The present investigation has been conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera against cadmium-induced toxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

For this study, 18 Wistar albino rats were taken. Control group, Group I rats were given cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm per kg and Group II rats were treated with M. oleifera extract @ 500 mg/kg along with cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm per kg (daily oral for 28 days). On 29^th day, animals were slaughtered and various parameters were determined. Serum biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, histomorphological examination were carried out with estimation of cadmium concentration in liver tissues.

Results:

Oral administration of cadmium chloride @ 200 ppm/kg for 28 days resulted in a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), significant (p≤0.01) increase of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increase in cadmium accumulation in liver. Treatment with M. oleifera @ 500 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased the elevated ALP, AST, ALT, LPO levels and increase in SOD levels, and as compared to cadmium chloride treated group. However, there was no significant difference in cadmium concentration in liver when compared with cadmium chloride treated group.

Conclusion:

The study conclude that supplementation of M. oleifera (500 mg/kg), daily oral for 28 days has shown protection against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity.

Accumulated Metals and Metallothionein Expression in Organs of Hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas) Within Natural Gas Fields of Podravina, Croatia

Environmental impact of natural gas facility near Molve (Podravina, Croatia) was assessed using hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas) as biomonitors. Elevated levels of heavy metals in the environment lead to their accumulation in different tissues of hares. The authors have tested accumulation and distribution of several metals in hare liver, kidney, and muscle tissues. The accumulation of copper in hare liver and kidneys with concomitant decrease of zinc was observed in animals from Podravina region as opposed to the control group of animals (Island Krk, Croatia). Secondly, the expression of metallothioneins was assessed because of their crucial role in metal homeostasis. Observed elevation of metallothionein expression in tested organs emphasizes the possible prolonged negative effects of heavy metals in the surroundings as well as a state of oxidative stress in animals. Further monitoring of the area is necessary for better control of hydrocarbon processing to diminish the possible negative environmental effects.

Cadmium and mercury accumulation in European hare (Lepus europaeus): age-dependent relationships in renal and hepatic tissue

A total of 63 European hares have been collected from five Serbian agricultural regions. The hares assayed were divided into four age groups (3-6 months, 12 months, 12-24 months, and 24-36 months) and investigated upon presence at cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the kidney and liver. The positive significant correlation (Ps-Pearson's coefficient) between Cd concentrations in the kidney and liver within age group the 3-6 months was found (Ps = 0.81, p < 0.001). Differences between Cd content in the kidney in comparison to liver were significant within all presented age groups (p < 0.001). Differences between recorded Hg levels in the kidney were not significant between presented age groups (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were registered between Hg content in the liver of the hares aged 24-36 and 12 months (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant correlations registered between Hg concentrations in the kidney and liver within any particular age group (p > 0.05). The strong statistically significant associations were registered between Cd and Hg content in the liver (Cd L/Hg L) in the age group 3-6 and 12-24 months (Cd L/Hg L, Ps = 0.94; p < 0.001 and Ps = 0.91; p < 0.001, respectively). The polynomial regression model used for graphing the observed data seems to be a method for modeling the relationship between measured Cd and Hg concentrations in the liver and kidney as first approximation for bioaccumulation in hares.

Blood concentration of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead in horses and its relation to hematological and biochemical parameters

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals and blood analysis serves as a good alternative for health status assessment. The target of this study was to analyze the concentration of selected metals in equine blood, to analyze the blood parameters and to find possible correlations. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis of healthy adult horses. The highest concentration of all elements was found in whole blood (Cu 3.84 ± 0.90 mg L(-1); Cd = 0.81 ± 0.90 mg L(-1); Zn 26.67 ± 14.12 mg L(-1); Pb 9.33 ± 5.76 mg L(-1)). Higher concentrations of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead were detected in blood clots compared to blood sera (44.04%). A similar tendency was found for cadmium (50%), zinc (13.08%) and lead (46.02%), which showed generally higher concentrations in blood clots (cells). Correlation analysis proved some relations between analyzed elements. In blood clots there is a strong positive correlation between Cd - Pb (r = 0.93) and Zn - Pb (r = 0.71) was detected. For biochemical and hematological parameters mainly medium correlations were detected. Obtained results prove different correlations of analyzed elements in blood components as well as the effect on parameters of blood biochemical and hematological profiles.

Noninvasive heavy metal pollution assessment by means of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) hair from Galicia (NW Spain): a comparison with invasive samples

The current study represents the first investigation of the suitability of wolf hair as indicator tissue for metal exposure and accumulation within NW Spanish ecosystems. Dead animals, which were not specifically killed for these purposes, were necropsied, and further toxicological analyses were performed in order to establish the heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, and Zn) in liver, kidney, and hair, by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Two different factors, gender and age, were considered in order to determine their influence on heavy metal accumulation. Mean liver, kidney and hair concentrations of both toxic element, Cd (0.528, 2.692, and 0.026 ppm) and Pb (4.108, 0.031, and 0.196 ppm) considered on a dry weight basis, were situated below the established as acute toxicity levels for mammals. The highest concentrations were quantified for Zn, with means ranging from a maximum in hair samples (150.9 ppm) to a minimum in kidney samples (25.81 ppm). When the variable of gender and age were considered, female and adult wolves had higher concentrations of Cd in all the considered organs, although differences were only statistically significant for kidney. Neither the sex nor the age had a significant effect on Pb and Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was identified between hair and liver Pb concentrations, as well as between hair and kidney Cd concentrations, thus suggesting the interest of the noninvasive sample for future ecotoxicological biomonitoring studies.

Metal exposure and accumulation patterns in free-range cows (Bos taurus) in a contaminated natural area: Influence of spatial and social behavior

Possible effects of spatial metal distribution, seasonal-, ecological- and ethological parameters, on the metal exposure of cows were investigated. Therefore the habitat use, vegetation selection and foraging behavior of two free ranging Galloway herds in a metal polluted nature reserve were observed. Metal concentrations in soil, vegetation, hair, blood and feces were measured. Although both herds lived in the same reserve, their metal exposure differed significantly. A high consumption of soft rush by herd 1 during winter for instance was responsible for a large increase in daily Cd intake. The results of this study suggest that the exposure and health risks of large grazers can probably not only be predicted by a general monitoring of soil and vegetation pollution. Also detailed information about the occurring vegetation types, spatial habitat use together with the social- and foraging behavior and diet selection of the species need to be studied.

Mercury in hares organs (Lepus europaeus Pallas) in the vicinity of the mercury-contaminated natural gas treatment plant in Croatia

In the last two decades (1990-2008), as part of a comprehensive monitoring of the eco-system, hares were collected in the vicinity of the mercury contaminated natural gas production and treatment plant Molve, Croatia. Their organs (muscle, liver, kidney and brain) were analyzed for total mercury concentration by cold vapor AAS. The range of the median mercury concentration values (wet weight) in hares organs were 0.001-0.005, 0.007-0.045, 0.022-0.126 and 0.0006-0.015 μg/g for muscle, liver, kidney and brain, respectively. The results of mercury measurements in hares organs during the period of last twenty years demonstrate a small but constant decline in concentration values. Comparing the results obtained in this study with results published in available data and literature on mercury concentration in hare's tissue it can be concluded that area investigated in this research belongs to low mercury contaminated region. Nevertheless, further eco-monitoring and mercury measurements in various hares organs are valuable and necessary and will be continued.

Lead exposure in female workers who are pregnant or of childbearing age

In adults, high-level lead exposure often occurs in the lead-related industries. Acute lead poisoning has become rare, but chronic exposure to low-level lead remains a public health issue. With recent advances in our understanding of lead toxicity at low-levels, researchers have shifted their focus to studying lead at concentrations below those currently recommended as 'acceptable' in worker protection. As gender plays an important role in the storage, biokinetics, and toxicity of lead, it seems inappropriate to extrapolate findings of lead exposure in men to women. Women's bones release lead more slowly to the bloodstream, so blood levels remain increased for a long time after cessation of high exposure, reflecting the endogenous source of the lead. Particularly in pregnant women, bone lead release could influence health in pregnancy and be extremely harmful to the rapidly growing and developing fetus. Accordingly, female workers of childbearing age should avoid excessive lead exposure. However, because studies of pregnant workers encounter many difficulties and inconveniences, sufficient research has not been conducted in this area. As an alternative, a group of non-occupationally exposed women, matched as well as possible for anthropometric and reproductive variables and with almost the same levels of blood lead, could be recruited for survey.

In vitro copper toxicity on rabbit spermatozoa motility, morphology and cell membrane integrity

In this in vitro study the effects of copper sulphate on the motility, morphology and structural integrity of rabbit spermatozoa were investigated. The spermatozoa motility was evaluated by CASA method and Annexin analysis was used for detection of structural changes. For analysis of morphology samples of rabbit semen were fixed with Hancock's solution and stained with Giemsa, and for each sample at least 500 spermatozoa were evaluated. The concentration of copper in the medium varied from 3.57 to 4.85 microg CuSO4/mL. At Time 0 the highest motility was detected in the control group (57.78 +/- 3.90%). Motility in groups with copper administration was lower in comparison to control. Significant differences were detected in groups with 3.70-4.85 microg CuSO4/mL (P<0.05) at Time 0. After 1 h of incubation with copper sulphate the motility significantly decreased almost in all experimental groups. However, at Time 2 h significant increase of total motility was observed in groups with lower concentrations of copper (3.57 and 3.63 microg CuSO4/mL). After 24 and 48 h of incubation almost all the spermatozoa were dead recording no motility at all concentrations. The concentration- dependent decrease of spermatozoa motility up to 50% of control was detected for the group receiving highest copper administration (4.85 microg CuSO4/mL) at Times 1 and 2 h. Progressive motility had an identical trend to that of motility in all experimental groups, at all culture times and for all concentrations. Evaluation of distance and velocity parameters indicated that a sort of stress tolerance developed in lower concentrations (3.57 and 3.63 microg CuSO4/mL). At lower concentrations, an increase was noted for distance parameter DCL and velocity parameter VCL, indirectly confirming the significant motility and progressive motility increase. Other motility parameters (straightness index, linearity index, wobble and amplitude of lateral head displacement) revealed decrease in the group with the highest copper concentration (4.85 microg CuSO4/mL) in comparison to the control group after 2 h of incubation, only. No significant alteration was noted for these parameters in comparison to control at Times 0 and 1 h. The total percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the group with the highest copper concentration (46.20+/-5.54%) in comparison to control (30.60+/-2.91). Predominant morphological abnormalities were acrosomal changes, knob-twisted flagellum and small heads. Detection of spermatozoa with disordered membrane was carried out for groups with higher copper concentrations and control, using Annexin analysis. Analysis showed higher occurrence of positive spermatozoa in the copper-exposed groups. Some Annexin positive reactions from all spermatozoa were detected in the control group. In copper-exposed groups positive reaction proved alteration in anterior part of head (acrosome) and in connection segment (mid-piece) of spermatozoa. Detected data evidently confirm adverse effects of high copper sulphate concentrations in rabbit semen on parameters of spermatozoa motility, morphology and membrane integrity. This paper also indicates the lowest possible toxic concentration of copper (3.70 microg CuSO4/mL) to rabbit spermatozoa in relation to motility.

In vitro toxicity of mercuric chloride on rabbit spermatozoa motility and cell membrane integrity

In this in vitro study the effects of mercuric chloride on the motility and structural integrity of rabbit spermatozoa were investigated. The spermatozoa motility was evaluated using CASA method and Annexin analysis was used for detection of structural changes. The concentration of mercury in the medium varied from 5.0 to 83.3 microg HgCl(2)/mL. At Time 0 the highest motility was detected in the control group (67.09 +/- 8.72%). Motility in groups with mercury administration was lower in comparison with control. Significant differences were detected in groups with 50.0-83.3 microg HgCl(2)/mL (P < 0.001) at Time 0. After 60 and 120 minutes of incubation with mercuric chloride the motility significantly decreased almost in all experimental groups. Progressive motility had a decreasing trend in all experimental groups. At time 60 and 120 significant differences were noted in the group receiving 6.25-83.3 microg HgCl(2)/mL. Significant differences were detected in all experimental groups, except the group with the lowest mercuric chloride administration. The concentration-dependent decrease of spermatozoa progressive motility up to 50% of control was detected for groups receiving 50.0 - 83.3 microg HgCl(2)/mL at Time 0, for groups receiving 12.5-83.3 microg HgCl(2)/mL at Time 60 and 120, decreasing from 36.46 +/- 18.73% to 1.03 +/- 2.50%. Detailed evaluation of spermatozoa distance (DAP, DCL, and DSL) and velocity (VAP, VCL, and VSL) parameters as well as straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), wobble (WOB), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) of spermatozoa revealed decrease in groups with the highest mercury concentration in comparison with the control group at all time periods. Detection of spermatozoa with disordered membrane was carried out for groups with higher mercury concentrations and control, using Annexin analysis. Analysis showed higher occurrence of positive spermatozoa in the mercury exposed groups. Some Annexin positive reactions from all spermatozoa were detected in the control group. In mercury-exposed groups positive reaction proved alteration in anterial part of head (acrosome), connection part (connection piece) and in mitochondrial segment. Detected data evidently confirm adverse effects of high mercuric chloride concentrations in rabbit semen on spermatozoa motility parameters.

In vitro study on the effects of lead and mercury on porcine ovarian granulosa cells

The heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) pose potential risks to sustainability of environment and thus to our future generations. General objective of this in vitro study was to examine the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after Pb and Hg administration and to outline the potential intracellular mediators of its effects. For this purpose, release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormone progesterone (P(4)), expression of proliferation- related (cyclin B1) and apoptosis-related (caspase-3) peptides was examined in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after heavy metals administration. Obtained data indicate Pb-induced inhibition of IGF-I release at lower doses (0.063 mg/mL and 0.046 mg/mL) by ovarian granulosa cells. However, P(4) release was not influenced by Pb addition, while the expression of cyclin B1 and caspase-3 was induced by Pb addition. These results indicate that Pb can affect the pathway of proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells through intracellular substances such as cyclin B1 and caspase-3. On the other hand, the P(4) release by ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was stimulated by experimental Pb administration at doses of 0.25 mg/mL and 0.063 mg/mL and experimental Hg administration at doses 0.25 mg/mL and 0.083 mg/mL. P(4) release by ovarian cells of pregnant gilts was not influenced by a combinatory dose of FSH (1.0 ng/mL) + Pb (0.083 mg/mL) + Hg (0.083 mg/mL) but it was inhibited by experimental administration of FSH (10 ng/mL) + Pb (0.25 ng/mL) + Hg (0.25 ng/mL). Possible involvement of heavy metals - Pb and Hg and pituitary hormone FSH, in the regulation of P(4) release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was noted. Data obtained from in vitro studies suggest the dose dependent association of heavy metals administration with the hormonal release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. This association also depended on pregnancy of the gilts.

Antioxidant status and selected biochemical parameters of porcine ovarian granulosa cells exposed to lead in vitro

The objective of this study was to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant status (TAS) and release of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, total lipids, totals proteins, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides by porcine ovarian granulosa cells cultured in vitro after lead acetate administration. The parameters were analyzed using semi-automated clinical chemistry analyzer Microlab 300, microprocessor-controlled analyzer EasyLite and spectrophotometer Genesys 10. Cells were cultured with lead acetate trihydrate [Pb(CH(3)COO)(2).3H(2)O] as follows: group Max (5 mg Pb(CH(3)COO)(2).3H(2)O/10 mL), group A (2.5 mg/10 mL), group B (0.83 mg/10 mL), group C (0.625 mg/10 mL), group D (0.455 mg/10 mL) and the control group without lead exposure for 18 hrs. The highest TAS was estimated in the control group without lead treatment in comparison with other groups (MAX, A, B, C, D). Statistical analyses showed significantly lower value (P < 0.05) in group B. The activity of SOD was the lowest in the control group in comparison to those exposed to in vitro lead culture. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) of calcium content in group MAX in comparison with control group was determined. Release of phosphorus by ovarian granulosa cells was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 0.01; 0.001) in all the treated groups in comparison with control group. Lead was found to stimulate the release of magnesium and potassium by granulosa cells, but the increase remained statistically insignificant. The highest concentration of glucose was noted in control group, but the differences were not significant either. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected in concentration of other studied parameters among observed groups, too.

Environmental levels of cadmium, lead and mercury in brown hares and their relation to blood metabolic parameters

The purpose of this study was to examine concentrations of selected heavy metals in the liver and kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus). In addition, correlations between heavy metals and biochemical parameters in blood plasma were determined. The average concentrations of heavy metals (mmol/L) +/- SD were as follows: liver: Pb 0.221 +/- 0.189, Cd 0.160 +/- 0.140, Hg 0.021 +/- 0.030, kidney: Pb 0.115 +/- 0.125, Cd 1.570 +/- 1.103, Hg 0.030 +/- 0.053. The average concentrations of biochemical parameters in the blood plasma were as follows: Ca 3.16 mmol/L, P 2.19 mmol/L, Mg 1.40 mmol/L, Na 148.71 mmol/L, K 8.12 mmol/L, glucose 6.56 mmol/L, total proteins 56.49 g/L, urea 5.00 mmol/L, total lipids 1.40 g/L, bilirubin 3.97 micro mol/L, cholesterol 1.53 mmol/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 6.06 micro kat/L and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1.94 micro kat/L. Average levels of hormones (ng/mL) were as follows: testosterone 2.94, androstendiol 0.13, estradiol 501.59, progesterone 6.63, oxytocin 328.60. Tissue analysis showed an accumulation of lead, cadmium and mercury in the liver and kidney of brown hares. There were no significant correlations between levels of heavy metals in liver, kidney, and biochemical parameters.

Assessment and management of risk to wildlife from cadmium

Cadmium, a nonessential heavy metal that comes from natural and anthropogenic sources, is a teratogen, carcinogen, and a possible mutagen. Assessment of potential risk from cadmium requires understanding environmental exposure, mainly from ingestion, although there is some local exposure through inhalation. Chronic exposure is more problematic than acute exposure for wildlife. There is evidence for bioaccumulation, particularly in freshwater organisms, but evidence for biomagnification up the food chain is inconsistent; in some bird studies, cadmium levels were higher in species that are higher on the food chain than those that are lower. Some freshwater and marine invertebrates are more adversely affected by cadmium exposure than are birds and mammals. There is very little experimental laboratory research on the effects of cadmium in amphibians, birds and reptiles, and almost no data from studies of wildlife in nature. Managing the risk from cadmium to wildlife involves assessment (including ecological risk assessment), biomonitoring, setting benchmarks of effects, regulations and enforcement, and source reduction.

The effect of cadmium in combination with zinc and selenium on ovarian structure in Japanese quails

In this study the effect of cadmium, cadmium+selenium and cadmium+zinc administration on the ovarian structure in Japanese quails was studied. The morphometric analysis of the relative volume of primary follicles detected the highest value in control group with a similar value in the group with administration of cadmium with selenium. Lower relative volume is reported in group with cadmium and zinc administration and the group with simple cadmium administration (P < 0.05). The relative volume of growing follicles was very similar in all studied groups (11.33-15.35%), and the relative volume of stroma was very stable (82.59-86.45%). In the evaluation of the number of follicles undergoing atresia detected significantly higher number of atretic primary follicles as well as atretic growing follicles in the group with cadmium administration and cadmium with selenium administration in comparison with control group. In comparison of normal and atretic follicles we report the most negative effect of single cadmium administration on ovarian structure. Selenium co-administration shows protective effects but only the co-administration with zinc prevent significant cadmium ovarian alterations.

Lead-induced alterations in rat kidneys and testes in vivo

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lead administration on the kidney and testicular structure of adult rats. Rats received lead (PbNO(3)) in single intraperitoneal dose 50 mg/kg (group A), 25 mg/kg (group B) and 12.5 mg (group C) per kilogram of body weight and were killed 48 h following lead administration. After the preparation of histological samples the results were compared with control. After the lead administration dilated Bowman's capsules and blood vessels in interstitium of kidney with evident hemorrhagic alterations were noted. Quantitative analysis determined increased relative volume of interstitium and tubules. Also, the diameter of renal corpuscules, diameter of glomeruli and diameter of Bowman's capsule were significantly increased, especially in group A, with the highest lead concentration. In testes, dilatation of blood capillaries in interstitium, undulation of basal membrane and occurrence of empty spaces in seminiferous epithelium were detected. An apoptosis assay confirmed increased incidence of apoptosis in the spermatogenetic cells after the lead administration. Also further morphometric analysis showed significant differences in evaluated parameters between control and treated groups. The number of cell nuclei was decreased in lead-treated groups, which is concerned with the occurrence of empty spaces as well as with the higher apoptosis incidence in germinal epithelium. This study reports a negative effect of lead on the structure and function of kidney and testes.

Metal bioaccumulation in the greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula, inhabiting an abandoned pyrite mine site

Hepatic and renal concentrations of iron, magnesium, zinc, lead, copper, manganese, mercury, cadmium, molybdenum, chromium, and nickel were quantified in shrews (Crocidura russula) inhabiting a pyrite mine site in Portugal. Several morphological parameters (body weight, residual index, and relative weights) were also examined to clarify the physiological effects of pollution. Shrews from the mine showed increased bioavailability of Fe, Pb, Hg, Cd, Mo, and Ni in comparison with reference specimens. Adult shrews had the highest Cd levels while Cr and Ni concentrations diminished. Intersexual differences were found for Mo and Ni. As a consequence of metal pollution, the relative hepatic weight was higher in shrews from the mine site when compared with reference specimens. These data indicate that C. russula is a good bioindicator of metal pollution. We also evaluated the toxic effects of Pb, Hg, Cd, and Ni, because several shrews from the polluted site showed high concentrations of these metals. To approximate at the real biological impact of abandoned mines, after this first step it is necessary to associate the bioaccumulation levels and morphological effects with other physiological, ecological and genetical biomarkers.

Heavy metals content and microbiological quality of carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) muscle from two Southwestern Slovak fish farms

The purpose of this study was to assess concentration and correlation of selected heavy metals and level of some microbiological indicators (total bacteria count-TBC, mesophilic anaerobic sporulating bacteria-MASB) in the muscle of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were collected by seine net within the frame of pondfishing, in October (pond Horné Obdokovce--pond A) and December (pond Budmerice--pond B) 2003. Concentrations of selected metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer Pye Unicam SP9. The concentrations of metals (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 3.47-15.15; Mn 0.14-0.42; Zn 3.47-9.52; Cu 0.24-1.32; Co 0.05-0.17; Ni 0.07-0.42; Cr 0.08-0.19; Pb 0.11-0.30; and Cd 0.01-0.05. The count of MASB and TCB (in CFU/g) varied as follow: 1.12-7.76 x 10(3) and 0.03-7.59 x 10(6), respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) for Cu, Ni, and Cr bioaccumulation, as well as for count of MASB between ponds were recorded. An opposite trend of bioaccumulation was found in only 12 of 36 cases. Positive correlations between counts of MASB and accumulated heavy metals, except Ni and negative correlations between TBC and accumulated heavy metals, except Cr, were recorded, (P < 0.05) for TBC-Mn and TBC-Cd relationship. Lead concentrations exceeded the maximum values allowed concentration in Slovakia by Codex Alimentarius (0.2 mg/kg) by 60% for pond-A and 40% for pond-B. The level of MASB count exceeded the maximum allowed concentration in 100% by both ponds. On average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: (Pond-A) Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co > Cd; (Pond-B) Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd.

Accumulation of some metals in muscles of five fish species from lower Nitra river

This paper reports the results of accumulated selected metals concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg and meHg) in the muscle of five common Slovak fish species (Chub-Leuciscus cephalus, Common carp-Cyprinus carpio, Prussian carp-Carassius gibelio, Roach-Rutilus rutilus, and Wels catfish-Silurus glanis). Furthermore, correlations among the selected metals and order of metal accumulation in the fish muscle were determined. The concentrations of metals (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 3.70-21.10; Mn 0.27-1.50; Zn 3.72-42.82; Cu 0.26-1.82; Ni 0.02-0.29; Co 0.06-0.28; Cr 0.09-0.28; Pb 0.08-34.59; Cd 0.06-2.76, Hg 0.34-3.64 and meHg 0.08-1.20. The level of lead and mercury exceeded the maximum allowed concentration in Slovakia by the Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively) in the majority of samples (94.6 and 82.1%, respectively). Content of Cd (0.88 +/- 0.76 mg/kg wet weight) in the fish muscle exceeded maximum allowed levels (0.05 mg/kg) in all samples. An average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd > Hg > Cu > Mn > meHg > Ni > Cr > Co.

Concentration of selected metals in liver, kidney, and muscle of the red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Concentration of cadmium, lead, chromium, zinc, copper, and manganese in liver, kidney, and muscle of red deer was investigated. For analysis of the content of these trace elements an AAS method was used. The concentration of cadmium was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in kidney in comparison with liver and muscle. The level of lead was the highest in muscle (p < 0.05). Lower values were detected in liver and in kidney. The concentration of chromium was very similar in all studied tissues. A higher concentration of zinc was found in muscle, followed by kidney and liver. The level of copper was significantly higher in liver (p < 0.05), and lower in kidneys and muscle. In evaluation of the concentration of manganese in red deer, the highest concentration of this element in liver was detected.