engleski

Heavy metal levels in tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) from eastern Croatia

The aim of this study was to measure the concentrations of some toxic and essential metals in the kidney cortex and jawbone of red deer caught in Baranja region, Eastern Croatia. Kidneys and jawbones of 57 red deer (17 males, 40 females), aged 0.5-10 years, were collected and the concentrations of metals determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The median concentrations of toxic cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in the kidney were 0.099, 0.362, and 0.578 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively. In the jawbone, Pb concentrations were 0.281 mg/kg. The median levels of essential elements in the kidney were 35.1, 5.20, and 108 mg/kg for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). Zinc in the jawbone was 86.8 mg/kg. Statistical analysis showed age-related differences in the accumulation of Pb in both tissues and of Cd in the kidney. Kidney Zn and Fe also increased with age. Toxic metal levels in the kidney exceeded the levels considered acceptable for human consumption, especially in older animals.

accumulation; essential metals; jawbone; kidney; toxic metals

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