Abstract
The aim of the study presented here was to assess cadmium, lead and mercury contamination of wild-living animals and cattle in Northern Moravia (Czech Republic). Samples were collected in 2005–2007 at the same locations as in 1986–1989, in the same season of the year, and they were analyzed using the same methods (AAS ). In 2005–2007, a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in cadmium concentrations in plant fodders was found, while changes in lead and mercury concentrations were less marked, and they depended on the type of commodity. In the 2005–2007 period, a marked decrease (P < 0.01) in cadmium concentrations in the muscle and kidneys of the cattle, fallow deer, roe deer and pheasants (muscle 0.002–0.009 mg kg-1, kidneys 0.11–0.69 mg kg-1) was found. In the same period, mercury concentrations in the muscle, liver and kidneys were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in cattle, roe deer and hare tissues (muscle: 0.6–3.5 μg kg-1, liver 3.3–41.0 μg kg-1, kidney 16.3–43.2 μg kg-1). Lower lead concentrations in the 2005–2007 period were only found in cows (0.04 mg kg-1, 0.1 mg kg-1 and 0.6 mg kg-1 in muscle, liver and kidney samples, respectively). No significant differences in lead concentrations were found in the tissues of other animals. The study demonstrated a reduction in the amounts of heavy metals entering food chains in the study area in recent years.
Highlights
The aim of the study presented here was to assess cadmium, lead and mercury contamination of wild-living animals and cattle in Northern Moravia (Czech Republic)
In 2005–2007, a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in cadmium concentrations in plant fodders was found, while changes in lead and mercury concentrations were less marked, and they depended on the type of commodity
At the end of the last century, the entry of heavy metals into food chains was studied by a number of authors (e.g. Andersson and Bingefors 1985; Brams and Anthony 1985), who helped identify and eliminate possible sources of contamination, and monitored the effects on the flora and fauna (Yaaqub et al 1991; Gnamus et al 1995, 2000; Toman et al 2005)
Summary
The aim of the study presented here was to assess cadmium, lead and mercury contamination of wild-living animals and cattle in Northern Moravia (Czech Republic). These metals accumulate in food chains and their toxic effects disrupt the existing biological balance (Beiglbock et al 2002; Massanyi et al 2000ab, 2005; Miadoková et al 2000). Accumulation of heavy metals may block biochemical processes in soils and facilitate the entry of toxic metals into food chains (He et al 2005). Andersson and Bingefors 1985; Brams and Anthony 1985), who helped identify and eliminate possible sources of contamination, and monitored the effects on the flora and fauna (Yaaqub et al 1991; Gnamus et al 1995, 2000; Toman et al 2005)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
