Abstract
This study examined the concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the liver and kidney samples of golden jackals (n = 163) and red foxes (n = 64). Additionally, we studied how sex affected element concentration in both species, and in the case of golden jackals, how concentration levels were affected by age.Liver was the most important storage organ for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while kidney for Cd and Na in jackals and foxes.We found no sex-related differences in concentration of any of the selected elements in fox samples. In jackals, the mean concentrations of Al, Mn, and Zn were significantly higher in kidneys of males, while Zn and Cu had higher concentrations in female livers. Our results suggest bioaccumulation processes do not occur in mesocarnivores.Lead and Cd concentrations fell within ranges accepted as normal for canine species and were below toxic levels in the organs of the examined species. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were far below the toxic levels in both organs of both species, with a slight sign of deficiency of Fe, Mn, and Zn in jackal and fox kidneys. In comparison with toxicity levels and results from other European study sites, the current study demonstrated that species living in the examined area of Somogy County, Hungary, are generally exposed to low levels of environmental contamination.
Highlights
Many chemical element concentrations present in nature stem from human activity; some concentrations raise concerns about environmental contamination (Tchounwou et al 2012)
The sympatric golden jackals and red foxes from the selected habitat are suitable for ecotoxicological studies because all 12 elements were detected in various concentrations independently of the organ tested
Our results demonstrate that the detection of the differing concentrations of certain elements among liver and kidney samples in jackals could depend on testing methods or sample sizes
Summary
Many chemical element concentrations present in nature stem from human activity; some concentrations raise concerns about environmental contamination (Tchounwou et al 2012). We selected 12 chemical elements and studied their concentrations in a Hungarian study site. Element concentration studies were performed on liver and kidney samples of golden jackals (Canis aureus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). These two species fulfill all criteria to serve as biomonitors including the following: their large geographical distribution, limited feeding range, position on the top of the local food chain, relatively long life span, and easy sampling via regular hunting activities (Dip et al 2001; Binkowski et al 2016; Kalisińska 2019b)
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