Metal Accumulation, Blood δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity and Micronucleated Erythrocytes of Feral pigeons (Columba Livia) Living Near Former Lead-Zinc Smelter “ Trepça” – Kosovo

Abstract

The concentration of lead in blood and tibia (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cupper (Cu) in tibia, blood δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D; EC: 4.2.1.24) activity, hematocrit value (Hct) and micronuclei frequency (MN) of peripheral erythrocytes have been determinated in three different populations of feral pigeons (Columba livia; forma urbana and forma domestica), collected in Mitrovica town (situated close to smelter “Trepça”, down closed in 2000 year ) and in rural area (Koshare willage ) . The blood lead level in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma urbana) was 3 times higher (149.6; 50.5 μg%) in comparison with that in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma domestica) and 27.7 times higher (5.4 μg% in comparison with pigeons from rural area. The Pb concentration of tibia of feral pigeons (froma urbana and forma domestica), from Mitrovica town was significantly higher (P<0.001) in comparison with control. The concentration of Zn in tibia of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana), was significantly higher (P<0.006) in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana and froma domestica), was significantly inhibited in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons –forma urbana from Mitrovica town was significantly inhibited (P<0.001) in comparison with the blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons-forma domestica from Mitrovica town. The erythrocyte MN frequency of feral pigeons from Mitrovica was significantly higher (P <0.001) in comparison with controls. The smelter “Trepça” ten year after closed down pose a threat to the local environment, biota and people’s health.

Keywords

• Columba livia
• metals
• ALA-D
• micronuclei
• hematocrit