Abstract
Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) in the liver, kidney and muscle of 11 individual roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were determined. Th e samples were prepared by microwave wet digestion. Content of investigated elements was determined by the method of coupled plasma with mass spectometry. The lead concentrations ranged from <0.001 (liver) to 8.455 mg/kg (meat), Cd concentrations ranged from 0.004 (muscle) to 0.818 mg/kg (kidney) and As concentrations ranged from 0.002 (liver) to 0.031 mg/kg (kidney). Concentrations of Hg in examined tissues (liver, kidney, muscle) were under limit of detection (<0.001 mg/kg). Th e concentration of copper in liver ranged from 3.913 to 104.08 mg/kg. Th e results of this study showed that no samples exceeded maximum allowed levels for Cd, Hg, As and Cu. Pb concentrations in muscle samples ranged from 0.008 to 8.455 mg/kg. High concentrations of Pb in two muscle samples are most likely due to the proximity of hunting wound area, as lead was not detected in organ samples. The presence of some elements in the tissues of roe d eer suggests the necessity of further research aimed at identifying the source of contamination in order to preserve the health of both humans and animals.
Highlights
Contamination of the environment with hazardous compounds and elements of anthropogenic origin is of increasing concern because of its effect on the entire biosphere, i.e., the micro-flora and –fauna of soils, plants and higher life, including humans and animals (Selenius et al, 1996)
The results of this study showed that no samples exceeded maximum allowed levels for Cd, Hg, As and Cu
High concentrations of Pb in two muscle samples are most likely due to the proximity of hunting wound area, as lead was not detected in organ samples
Summary
Contamination of the environment with hazardous compounds and elements of anthropogenic origin is of increasing concern because of its effect on the entire biosphere, i.e., the micro-flora and –fauna of soils, plants and higher life, including humans and animals (Selenius et al, 1996). Many wild animals are exposed to diverse toxic substances by consuming contaminated plants and animals, or water, soil and air (Živkov Baloš et al, 2015). The accumulation of toxic heavy metals in plants and soil may increase the risk of transfer to herbivorous wild mammals and game animals or to livestock (Bilandžić et al, 2010). Monitors have recently been defined as organisms in which changes in known characteristics can be measured to assess the extent of environmental contamination, so that conclusions on the health implication for other species of the environment as a whole can be drawn. Monitors may provide information about environmental concentrations of essential and toxic metals of importance for life, displaying deficiency and toxicity, respectively (Selinus et al, 1996)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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