THE INCIDENCE OF HEAVY METALS AND OTHER TOXIC ELEMENTS IN ROE DEER (Capreolus capreolus) TISSUES

Abstract

Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) in the liver, kidney and muscle of 11 individual roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were determined. Th e samples were prepared by microwave wet digestion. Content of investigated elements was determined by the method of coupled plasma with mass spectometry. The lead concentrations ranged from <0.001 (liver) to 8.455 mg/kg (meat), Cd concentrations ranged from 0.004 (muscle) to 0.818 mg/kg (kidney) and As concentrations ranged from 0.002 (liver) to 0.031 mg/kg (kidney). Concentrations of Hg in examined tissues (liver, kidney, muscle) were under limit of detection (<0.001 mg/kg). Th e concentration of copper in liver ranged from 3.913 to 104.08 mg/kg. Th e results of this study showed that no samples exceeded maximum allowed levels for Cd, Hg, As and Cu. Pb concentrations in muscle samples ranged from 0.008 to 8.455 mg/kg. High concentrations of Pb in two muscle samples are most likely due to the proximity of hunting wound area, as lead was not detected in organ samples. The presence of some elements in the tissues of roe d eer suggests the necessity of further research aimed at identifying the source of contamination in order to preserve the health of both humans and animals.

Keywords

• lead
• cadmium
• mercury
• arsenic
• copper
• tissues