engleski

Toxic metal concentrations in tissues of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from lowland Croatia

Results presented are part of the first going on comprehensive investigation on the toxic heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) contamination in game animals in Croatia. During regular hunting procedures samples (muscle, liver, kidney) of wild boar of 3 different age groups (piglets, < 1 year, n = 17 ; middle-aged animals, around 2 years, n =12 ; adults, >3 years, n =11) from the low land area of Croatia were collected. Concentrations of metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry and are expressed in &micro ; ; g/g wet weight. Statistical evaluation of results was made by calculating medians and mean values to enable further statistical procedure. In muscle tissue the lowest median concentration was measured for Cd (0.0019 &micro ; ; g/g), lead was present in slightly higher median concentration (0.002 &micro ; ; g/g) while median Hg concentration was the highest (0.009 &micro ; ; g/g). Statistically significant different Cd concentrations were determinated in piglets comparing to middle-aged and adults animals (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of Pb concentrations between all age groups. Mercury concentrations were significant different comparing piglets and middle-aged animals to adults (p<0.05). In liver tissue the lowest median concentration was measured for Pb (0.024 &micro ; ; g/g), median Hg concentration was double (0.047 &micro ; ; g/g), while median Cd concentration was much higher (0.099 &micro ; ; g/g). For Pb and Cd concentrations there were no statistically significant differences between all age groups. Significant difference of Cd concentrations were determinated between all age groups (p<0.01 ; p<0.05). In kidney tissue the lowest median concentration was measured for Pb (0.022 &micro ; ; g/g), Hg follows (0.088 &micro ; ; g/g), the highest median concentration was found for Cd (1.209 &micro ; ; g/g). There was no statistically significant difference of Pb concentrations between all age groups. Significant differences of Hg concentrations were determinated between piglets and adults as well as between middle-aged and adults (p<0.05). There was significant difference of Cd concentrations between all age groups (p<0.01 ; p<0.05). Amount of investigated metals in muscle tissues did not exceed concentration recommended by Croatian regulations, except in one case of lead in piglet, what is probably the consequences of lead contamination from the bullet. Some samples of liver and more samples of kidney especially of adult animals contained Cd and Hg amounts above the recommended concentrations established by Croatian regulations. From the ecotoxicological point of view it can be concluded that the determinated amounts of heavy metals in tissues of wild boars are primarily the consequences of the naturally present metals in the environment.

wild boar; lead; mercury; cadmium

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