Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate Pb and Cu accumulation in muscle and skin samples of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Sicily, for monitoring of environmental metals pollution. Metals determination, carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), showed the presence of Pb and Cu in all samples analyzed. Pb concentrations were similar in muscle (0.04±0.009mg/kg) and skin (0.03±0.004mg/kg) samples, while Cu levels resulted higher in muscle (1.842±0.178mg/kg) than in skin (1.22±0.151mg/kg). In addition, a comparative analysis of Pb and Cu concentrations was carried out among samples from different areas of Sicily and between female and male, young and old, immature and mature foxes. Metals content found in all muscle and skin samples demonstrates that V. vulpes could be a valid “sentinel” species of rural and suburban areas to study the environmental metals pollution and the habitat quality.
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