High Levels Of Manganese Research Articles

Bioaccumulation of Manganese and Its Toxicity in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) Exposed to Manganese Oxide Dust (Mn3O4)

Manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) is a product from the combustion of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl. Exposure to high levels of manganese can lead to serious health effects especially to the central nervous and respiratory systems. Very few studies on the effects of long-term low level exposure to Mn3O4have been reported. The present study was therefore conducted to examine the bioaccumulation and toxicity of manganese in various organs of feral pigeons (Columba livia) when exposed to low levels of Mn3O4via inhalation and hence to find any possible relationship between these two parameters. A total of 22 pigeons was exposed to 239 μg/m3of manganese for 7 h/day, 5 days/week for 5, 9, and 13 consecutive weeks. Manganese concentrations in various tissues, e.g., brain (mesencephalon), lung, liver, intestine, pancreas, kidney, muscle, bone, and whole blood, were measured by neutron activation analysis. Various biochemical parameters in blood, e.g., hematocrit, total proteins, glucose, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, total iron, blood urea nitrogen and triglycerides, were also measured. Manganese concentrations in brain, lung, and bone were significantly higher in Mn3O4-exposed pigeons (0.59, 0.58, and 3.02 μg/g wet tissue, respectively) than in the control group (0.46, 0.19, 1.74 μg/g wet tissue, respectively). However, except for total proteins such exposure did not produce any changes in various biochemical parameters which were within the normal values. Thus these results have shown that, despite significant bioaccumulation of manganese in some tissues, no significant toxic effects could be seen.

Exchange of iron from chelate in the fertilizer against copper, manganese, and zinc in peaty substrates

To overcome iron (Fe) deficiency in horticultural crops, particularly for those crops very susceptible and exhibit marked leaf chlorosis, a new base fertilizer for peaty substrates was introduced with an Fe content (as EDTA chelate) of 0.35%. The fertilizer used normally had 0.09% Fe. With the new fertilizer, higher Fe contents in water extracts were found than before, but also unexpectedly high extract levels of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were recovered, although the Mn and Zn contents in the new fertilizer were unchanged. The copper (Cu) content of the new fertilizer has been doubled, but the levels recovered in extracts were far more than double. The assumption that accounts for this phenomenon was that the chelate extracted Cu, Mn, and Zn from the peat and the lime. To prove this hypothesis, Fe‐EDTA was added to a black and white peat in amounts comparable to those used in horticultural practice with different lime additions. Iron, Mn, Zn, and Cu were analysed in the standard 1:1.5 volume water extract In order to test the stability of the EDTA chelate, the more stable EDDHA chelate was also used. When Fe chelates were added to peaty substrates, the Mn, Zn, and Cu contents in the water extracts were increased, even without the addition of these micronutrients. This effect was more pronounced when: a) the pH was high: b) a white peat was used rather than a black peat, and c) more with Fe‐EDTA than Fe‐EDDHA. So the hypothesis proved to be of value. The addition of chelates in fertilizers should not exceed certain limits and their pH stability should be considered because they may act as an extractant, thus elevating the water soluble levels of Mn, Zn, and Cu recovered from the substrate and perhaps to toxic concentrations that could affect plant production. Furthermore, the phenomenon should be taken into account with the interpretation of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents in water extracts of substrates which have been fertilized with chelates.

Minewater remediation at a French zinc mine: sources of acid mine drainage and contaminant flushing characteristics

Abstract Recent closure of a zinc mine in southwestern France has resulted in flooding of workings and discharge of contaminated minewater from the workings, polluting a small stream. The minewater discharge is of near neutral pH and is contaminated with high levels of zinc, cadmium, manganese, iron and sulphate. With the exception of iron, concentrations of these contaminants have fallen dramatically since the discharge arose. The main source of recharge to the mine is likely to be overlying aquifers associated with near-surface weathering. A classification is proposed to explain the hydrogeochemical sources of contaminants and the changes in discharge water quality with time. Primary sources related to active sulphide oxidation dominate the minewater chemistry in the unflooded workings, whilst secondary sources related to remobilization of secondary minerals dominate in the flooded workings. Prediction of contaminant flushing rates has been carried out on the basis of this classification. Zinc and cadmium levels are expected to reach stable medium-term levels within 2–5 years of the discharge first occurring. Potential remediation strategies include plugging of the discharging mine portal and flooding of upper workings, coupled with conventional chemical and wetland treatment.

Spatial patterns in a bioindicator: heavy metal and selenium concentration in eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) in the New York Bight.

Concentrations of selenium and five heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and manganese) in the eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) were studied at six breeding colonies in the New York Bight to detect locational differences and to explore their use as a bioindicator of point source or nonpoint source pollution. The herring gull is widespread in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has urban-adapted counterparts in the southern hemisphere as well. We anticipated that the chromium contamination at Jersey City and high levels of manganese in industrial releases to the Passaic River would be reflected in the nearest colony (Shooter's Island), and that lead contamination from bridge remediation would be apparent in the Jamaica Bay colonies. There were significant locational differences in all metal levels, although the patterns were not the same for all metals. Shooter's Island in Newark Bay ranked first or second for five of the elements, but inexplicably had the lowest mercury level. Cadmium levels were highest at Canarsie Pol in Jamaica Bay, but mercury levels were highest at the relatively isolated Lavallette colony in northern Barnegat Bay. Chromium and manganese levels were indeed highest at Shooter's Island, but the lead levels in Jamaica Bay were only intermediate. We predicted that the essential trace elements, manganese, chromium, and selenium, which are known to be present at relatively high concentrations in various animal species, would have relatively low coefficients of variation, reflecting homeostatic mechanisms. This was confirmed. In conclusion, herring gull egg contents can be used to monitor metal concentrations at nearby colonies to indicate areas of concern for particular metals. They may confirm suspected associations or identify hitherto unsuspected problems.

Three dimensional morphology of cementite precipitates

Conventional light and electron microscopy techniques usually allow for characterization of microstructures in only two dimensions. This is a serious impediment to understanding the three dimensional morphology of microstructural features. This paper presents the results of a deep etching study of cementite precipitates in a model alloy composed of Fe-1.34 wt.% C-13.1 wt.% Mn. The high carbon level enables a large volume fraction of cementite precipitates to be produced while the high manganese and carbon levels together suppress the martensite start temperature to below room temperature. During deep etching of this alloy, the austenitic matrix is preferentially removed and the morphology of the cementite precipitates is revealed. This also enables complimentary crystallographic and interfacial structure studies which are underway. Although previous investigations used deep etching as a supplementary technique for characterizing cementite plates, the current work places emphasis on determining the three dimensional morphology of both grain boundary and intragranular precipitates previously categorized under the two dimensional Dube morphological classification system.

Manganese(II) active site mutants of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate 2,3-dioxygenase from Arthrobacter globiformis strain CM-2.

Whereas all other members of the extradiol-cleaving catechol dioxygenase family are iron-dependent, the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate 2,3-dioxygenase (MndD) from Arthrobacter globiformis CM-2 is dependent on manganese for catalytic activity. Recently, the endogenous iron ligands of one family member, the 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl 1,2-dioxygenase (BphC), were identified crystallographically as two histidines and a glutamic acid [Sugiyama, K., et al. (1995) Proc. Jpn. Acad., Ser. B 71, 32-35; Han, et al. (1995) Science 270, 976-980; Senda, T., et al. (1996) J. Mol. Biol. 255, 735-752]. Though BphC and MndD have low overall sequence identity (23%), the three BphC metal ligands are all conserved in MndD (H155, H214, and E266). In order to determine whether these residues also act as ligands to manganese in MndD, site-directed mutants of each were constructed, purified, and analyzed for activity and metal content. Mutations H155A, H214A, and E266Q yielded purified enzymes with specific activities of <0.1% of that of the wild-type dioxygenase and bound 0.4, 1.8, and 33% of the wild-type level of manganese, respectively. The relatively high level of manganese [with a Mn(II) EPR signal distinctly different from that of the wild-type enzyme] observed for E266Q suggests that the glutamine may act as a weak ligand to the metal. Mutant E266D, which retains the potential metal binding capability of a carboxylate group, exhibited 12% of the wild-type activity in crude extracts, suggesting that Mn remains bound; however, this mutant protein was too unstable to be purified and analyzed for metal content. On the basis of the low activity and metal content of mutant proteins, we propose that the conserved residues H155, H214, and E266 ligate manganese in MndD. As is the case with the superoxide dismutases, the extradiol-cleaving catechol dioxygenases appear to utilize identical coordinating residues for their iron- and manganese-dependent enzymes.

Hyphal Sheath and Iron-Binding Compound Formation in Liquid Cultures of Wood Decay FungiGloeophyllum trabeumandPostia placenta

Hyphal sheath (extracellular matrix) and iron-binding compound formation in liquid cultures of the brown rot fungi Gloeophyllum trabeum and Postia placenta were examined as a function of incubation temperatures, culture pH, and concentrations of iron, manganese, and nitrogen in the culture medium. Hyphal sheath was observed microscopically and quantified with Jandel video analysis (JAVA). The hyphal sheath was found on young and rejuvenated hyphae, around the hyphal tips and along the length of the hyphae, but not on necrotic hyphae. Production of hyphal sheath was greater in fungi growing in low concentrations of metals (0-5μM iron or 0-100μM manganese) than in fungi growing under high metal concentrations. High nitrogen concentrations decreased sheath formation in G. trabeum. Iron-binding compound formation, as monitored by the chrome azurol S (CAS) assay, did not occur in detectable quantities until the third week of culture incubation. Iron-binding compound production was correlated with low concentrations of metals, but was not significantly influenced by the form of the nitrogen source. High levels of manganese (1000-5000μM) and iron (150-200μM) repressed both iron-binding compound production and hyphal sheath formation. Incubation temperature and pH of the medium influenced hyphal sheath and iron-binding compound formation by both brown rot fungi. Gloeophyllum trabeum produced more hyphal sheath and iron-complexing agents at pH 3.5, 35°C than under other cultural conditions tested. Postia placenta yielded more sheath at pH 5.5. 25°C than under other cultural conditions tested. Both fungi decreased the culture pH over time, irrespective of starting pH, to a final pH of 2.4 to 3.0. Greatest decreases in pH values were seen in cultures low in manganese and iron. The influence of transition metal concentration and other experimental parameters on pH, ratio of hyphal sheath to hyphal area, and on the production of extracellular high affinity iron-binding compounds is of significance because of the role these parameters have been shown to play in the biodegradation of wood by brown rot fungi.

Plant‐available elements in soils and their influence on the vegetation over ultramafic ("serpentine") rocks in New Zealand

Ultramafic ("serpentine") soils from the Nelson Region contain low total levels of calcium, potassium, phosphate and high total levels of chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese and nickel. However, the plant‐available fraction as measured by extraction procedures, differs considerably from the total elemental abundances in the soils.The solubility of individual elements is unrelated to total abundance in the soil. Only extractable manganese and iron could be predicted by their total concentration. Extraction experiments indicated that chromium and cobalt have low solubility in the pH range to which serpentine plants are exposed and therefore unlikely to be toxic. Soil analyses across a sedimentary/ultramafic soil boundary indicated that higher levels of extractable nickel and/or magnesium in ultramafic soils seem likely to account for the observed vegetation change. The pH of soils under beech forest was significantly lower than that under serpentine vegetation and was probably a result of humic decay of forest litter. Nickel availability increases with decreasing pH. This effect is not limiting on nickel‐poor sedimentary soils, but the increased nickel availability at lower pH on serpentine soils may prohibit forest colonisation of this ultramafic environment. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that isolated Nothofagus and Pinus radiata have colonised humus‐deficient ultramafics at Hackett Creek and the Cobb asbestos

Manganese and malonate are individual regulators for the production of lignin and manganese peroxidase isozymes and in the degradation of lignin by Phlebia radiata

The effects of high manganese [180 μM Mn(II)] concentration and addition of malonate (10 mM) were studied in nitrogen-limited cultures of the white-rot fungus, Phlebia radiata. High levels of manganese alone showed no systematic influence on the production of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) or laccase. In contrast, high-manganese containing cultures of P. radiata showed lower efficiency in the mineralization of 14C-ring-labelled synthetic lignin ([14C]DHP). The highest rates of mineralization, up to 30% in 18 days, were reached in low- manganese(2 μM)-containing cultures when malonate was omitted. Degradation of [14C]DHP was substantially restricted by the addition of malonate. The combination of high manganese and malonate resulted in increased levels of MnP and laccase production, whereas LiP production was repressed. Also, the profiles of expression of the MnP and LiP isozymes were affected. A new P. radiata MnP isozyme of pI 3.6 (MnP3) was found in the high-manganese cultures. Addition of malonate alone caused some repression but also stimulating effects on distinctive MnP and LiP isozymes. The results indicate that manganese and malonate are individual regulators of MnP and LiP expression and have different roles in the degradation of lignin by P. radiata.

Manganese toxicity in children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition

Summary Background In patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN), cholestatic disease and nervous system disorders have been associated with high blood concentrations of manganese. In such patients, the normal homoeostatic mechanisms of the liver and gut are bypassed and the requirement for this trace element is not known; nor has it been certain whether hyper-manganesaemia causes the cholestasis or vice versa. We explored the direction of effect by serial tests of liver function after withdrawal of manganese supplements from children receiving long-term PN. We also examined the relation between blood manganese concentrations and brain lesions, as indicated by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods From a combined group of 57 children receiving PN we identified 11 with the combination of hyper-manganesaemia and cholestasis; one also had a movement disorder. Manganese supplements were reduced in the first three and withdrawn in the remainder. MRI was done in two of these children. We also looked at manganese concentrations and MRI scans in six children who had received PN for more than 2 years without developing liver disease. Findings In the hypermanganesaemia/cholestasis group, four of the 11 patients died. In the seven survivors baseline whole-blood manganese was 615-1840 nmol/L, and after 4 months it had declined by a median of 643 nmol/L (p<0·01). Over the same interval total bilirubin declined by a median of 70 μmol/L (p<0·05). Two of these children had movement disorders, one of whom survived to have an MRI scan; this showed, with T1 weighted images, bilateral symmetrically increased signal intensity in the globus pallidus and subthalamic nuclei. Such changes were also seen in five other children—one from the hyper-manganesaemia/cholestasis group and four of six in the long-term PN group without liver disease (in all of whom blood manganese was above normal). Interpretation The cholestasis complicating PN is multifactorial, but these results add to the evidence that manganese contributes. In view of the additional hazard of basal ganglia damage from high manganese levels in children receiving long-term PN, we recommend a low dose regimen of not more than 0·018 μmol/kg per 24 h together with regular examination of the nervous system.

Mechanisms of the simultaneous sulfidation and oxidation of FeMn alloys

Alloys of Fe-15Mn, Fe-25Mn and Fe-50Mn were reacted with CO/CO 2/SO 2/N 2 atmospheres at 1073K, and their behaviour compared with that of the individual metals. Under reducing and sulfidizing conditions, uncatalysed gases led to irreproducible results. Catalysed gases led to sulfide scale growth on manganese-containing alloys via reaction with COS, whereas the scale on pure iron was largely oxide formed by reaction with SO 2. A gas containing moderate sulfur and oxygen activities and a high partial pressure of SO 2 corroded the alloys by reaction with SO 2, forming scales of oxide on top of sulfide-plus-oxide mixtures. Very high manganese levels were required to produce any reduction in rate. A gas containing a low sulfur activity and a moderate oxygen activity led to reaction with SO 2, producing oxide-plus-sulfide scales which were in most cases of lamellar morphology, and fast-growing. The kinetics of lamellar product growth were initially linear and then parabolic, as the scale-gas interface approached a steady state. In all cases, the addition of manganese to the alloys promoted a more rapid approach to local equilibrium at the scale-gas interface.

Slow sand filters for a small water system

Slow sand filtration improved water quality in Camptonville, Calif.Slow sand filtration was selected to meet the Surface Water Treatment Rule requirements for the community of Camptonville, Calif. The slow sand filtration facility uses precast concrete vaults, hauled by truck to the site and laid out in a linear arrangement to adjust to the contour of the steep hillside site. This alternative filtration process is credited by the California Department of Health Services with 2‐log Giardia and 1‐log virus reduction. A 3‐log Giardia and 4‐log virus removal can be achieved with disinfection. The facility began operation in December 1991 and has maintained a treated water turbidity &lt;1.0 ntu, despite stream turbidities of &gt;30 ntu. The process effectively removes high levels of iron and manganese from the community's backup groundwater supply. In addition, low construction and operating and maintenance costs have kept customers' costs down.

Chemical composition of the edible leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii.

Proximate composition, mineral element content, amino acid profile and the levels of some antinutrients in the edible leaves of Pterocarpus mildhraedii were determined. Moisture content was assayed as 85.12 percent (wet weight). Protein, fat, ash and fibre contents of the leaf (percent dry weight) were 25.84, 5.23, 6.44 and 7.56 respectively. Mineral element analysis showed high levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. However, the level of sodium in the vegetable was low. Amino acid profile indicated that the leaf is rich in essential amino acids. The antinutrient levels of hydrogen cyanide and oxalate were low. The paper suggests the need to meet nutrient requirements through an increased use of this cheap but less popular food item with good nutritive potential.

The hepatoprotective cytochrome P-450 enzyme inhibitor isolated from the Nigerian medicinal plant Cochlospermum planchonii is a zinc salt

Aqueous extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii Hook.f. (Cochlospermaceae) rhizomes are used by native medical practitioners in northern Nigeria to treat jaundice. An extract prepared by a laboratory adaptation of their method was hepatoprotective in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats (CCl 4), and it inhibited cytochrome P-450 enzymes, which constitutes a plausible hepatoprotective mechanism. A crystalline inhibitor (0.3% of dry weight of rhizomes) was isolated using inhibition of two rat cytochrome P-450 enzymes, aminopyrine- N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase, as bioassays to guide fractionation by solvent partitioning, polyamide column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography and fractional crystallization. The inhibitor was identified as zinc formate by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and comparison with synthetic material by powder X-ray diffraction crystallography. Synthetic and plant-derived zinc formate were equally effective as inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 enzymes and as hepatoprotective agents in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats. Cochlospermum planchonii rhizomes contain unusually high levels of manganese and zinc, although much higher levels have been observed in plants considered to be hyperaccumulators of these metals.

Case Study: Blue-green Algal Control in Australia by Year-round Automatic Aeration

ABSTRACT Intermittent artificial aeration was initiated in Little Bass Reservoir in the summer of 1981–82 with the goal of solving water quality problems including unpleasant tastes and odors, high levels of iron and manganese, poor bacteriological quality and regular summer blue-green algal blooms. Monitoring was carried out for the next 12 years to evaluate changes in water quality. With the initial operation, consisting of manual aeration applied only in summer months, stratification control was not consistent and blue-green algal blooms continued. However, since 1985 more consistent control over stratification has been achieved by applying year-round automatic aeration triggered by the intermittent stratification conditions in the reservoir, and no blooms of blue-green algae have been experienced for the past 7 years. A logical explanation for this experience, which has been reproduced by the author in many other Australian lakes and reservoirs, is that by introducing year-round automatic aeration, the continuously well oxygenated conditions produced at the bottom sediments prevented reducing conditions from developing and so restricting recycling of nutrients in a soluble form available for algal growth.

Nutritional aspects of soy formula.

Soy formula is a commonly used alternative to cows' milk formula. While its primary use has been for infants with milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance, soy formula is used increasingly for infants with gastrointestinal discomfort. The nutritional composition of soy formula has been designed to cover the nutrient needs of the newborn infant; however, some aspects of its composition need further consideration. The protein level of soy formula is usually higher than that of milk-based formulae, partially because of differences in protein digestibility and partly because of differences in amino acid composition. The presence of phytic acid in soy formula presents a problem with regard to mineral and trace element bioavailability. Several steps can be taken to minimize this problem, either by reducing the phytate content of soy protein isolate or by changing levels of minerals/trace elements in the formula. Finally, the high levels of manganese in soy formula present a potential problem in that manganese absorption and retention are high during infancy.

Influence of changes in manganese and magnesium supply on some aspects of wheat physiology

Abstract Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. UP 2003 was grown in refined sand at three levels of manganese, 0.02 (deficient), 10 (adequate), and 200 (high) μM, each at three levels of magnesium, 0.02 (deficient), 2 (adequate), and 4 (excess) mM. In wheat magnesium deficiency aggravated the effects of low manganese supply namely decreases in dry weight, seed yield, chlorophyll content, Hill reaction activity, contents of DNA and RNA, and activities of ATPase and DNAse. On the other hand, the decrease in the activity of RNAse and increase in that of peroxidase were less pronounced in the combined deficiencies of manganese and magnesium than in manganese deficiency. Excess Mg accentuated the visible symptoms of Mn deficiency. Excess Mg also alleviated the effects of high manganese level by increasing the biomass, contents of chlorophyll, DNA, and RNA, Hill reaction activity, and activities of peroxidase and DNAse and by decreasing further leaf Mn content. It appeared that manganese could not replace the role o...

Effects of S and Sb Additions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Al–Si 319 Alloy

AbstractThis work shows the effect of simultaneous additions of sulphur and antimony on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al–Si 319 alloy, containing high levels of iron and manganese. It was found that sulphur and antimony act independently. The sulphur influences the shape and distribution of the Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phase, promoting its occurrence as dendritic Chinese script-like morphology. On the other hand, antimony additions help in the formation of a lamellar eutectic structure. As a result of these changes in microstructure, an improvement in the values of ultimate tensile strength, elongation to failure and hardness was observed with respect to those shown by the untreated 319 alloy. The concentration ranges of antimony and residual sulphur investigated were 0.10–0.30 and 0.001–0.04 wt %, respectively. Resume Cette etude montre l'effet d'additions simultan'es de soufre et d'antimoine sur la microstructure et les proprietes mecaniques de l'alliage Al–Si 319 contenant un haut niveau d...

Response of macroinvertebrates to blooms of iron-depositing bacteria

In field measurements and laboratory experiments we assessed the influence of high levels of iron, manganese, and concurrent blooms of iron-depositing bacteria, Leptothrix ochracea, on macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate communities in five of six streams were depauerate inside blooms. Reasons for the decreased abundance vary among taxa, with our experiments demonstrating the importance, for one or more species, of (1) direct toxic effects, and,/or smothering, (2) behavioral avoidance of bacterial-coated substrates, and (3) an inability to use bacteria as food. Three mayfly species showed increased mortality when caged inside the blooms, but five trichopterans and one plecopteran did not. Five invertebrates avoided Leptothrix-coated substrate in choice trials, while three did not. Stenonema fuscum could not ingest Leptothrix, and Neophylax nacatus had reduced growth feeding on it, but Heptagenia umbratica grew equally well on diets of Leptothrix or diatoms. This study demonstrates the important role epilithic organisms play in modifying substrates, and how these changes may act to influence benthic abundance and distribution in streams.

Some toxic and trace metals in big game hunted in the northern part of Poland in 1987–1991

Game animal meats (muscle, liver and kidneys) collected from different regions in northern part of Poland in 1987–1991 were analysed for mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, zinc and iron. Toxic mercury, cadmium and lead occured in relatively low concentrations in muscle and organ meats, with the exception of lead in muscle and cadmium in kidneys, which were relatively more contaminated. The concentrations of essential trace metals in samples examined seemed to be natural. Roe-deer contained relatively higher concentrations of copper, both in liver and kidneys, than stag and wild boar, while stag had higher levels of manganese in muscle meat and organs. The weighted mean concentration ranges obtained related to wet-weight for muscle, liver and kidneys of wild boar, roe-deer and stag were 1.2–3.4, 7.3–15, and 24–54 μg/kg for mercury; 10–10, 110–210, and 1500–2100 μg/kg for cadmium; 86–160, 190–210, and 210–290 μg/kg for lead; 1.6 and 1.8, 4.5–28, and 5.4–12 mg/kg for copper; 0.24–0.83, 1.7–5.2, and 1.3–4.1 mg/kg for manganese; 32–37, 37–47, and 30–48 mg/kg for zinc; and 24–31, 40–54, and 67–83 mg/kg for iron, respectively. Single specimens of elk and aurochs were examined also. From the point of view of health, contamination of muscle with lead, as a result of shot pellet fragmentation, and of kidneys with cadmium from the contaminated environment, seemed to be of greatest concern. The values obtained were compared with the available literature data.