Determination of Atmospheric Heavy Metal Pollution in Canakkale and Balikesir Provinces Using Lichen (Cladonia rangiformis) as a Bioindicator

A regional study was conducted to assess the current level of atmospheric heavy metal pollution (Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Cd) in the Canakkale and Balikesir provinces of Turkey, and also to establish a baseline for future studies of atmospheric heavy metal pollution. The lichen Cladonia rangiformis was used for determining the distribution of heavy metals in the atmosphere. The highest concentration of all these elements was observed in the vicinity of Balikesir province where there is an abandoned lead–zinc main. On the other hand, apart from the mining area, the concentration of heavy metals was similar to the data reported for unpolluted areas. Maximum values of Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Cd were 33.8, 47.6, 13.0, 5.29, and 0.69 mg/kg in dry weight, respectively. Spatial distribution of these elements, apart from Cr, was similar. Correlation coefficients between Zn–Pb, Cr–Zn, Cu–Pb, Cu–Zn, Cd–Zn, and Cd–Cr were high and positive, and indicated that they come from the same sources.     

Distribution of Metals in Surface Sediments from a Small River Flowing Through Urban and Agricultural Areas

The characteristic distributions of 12 metals (Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd and Pb) were investigated in surface sediments from a small river (Niitsu River) flowing through both urban and agricultural areas by comparison with those from the upper main stream (Nodai River). Among the investigated metals, the mean concentrations of Al, Cr, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb in the Niitsu River were significantly higher than those in the Nodai River. The investigated sites can be characterized by the principal components 1–3.     

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water and Surface Sediment in Five Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya for Assessment of Recent Increase in Anthropogenic Activities

The concentrations of heavy metals Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn were analysed in water and surface sediments of five Rift Valley lakes Nakuru, Elementaita, Naivasha, Bogoria and Baringo in Kenya. The dissolved mean concentration levels (μg/L) in water ranged within 13.0–185.0 (Ag), 2.0–43.0 (Cd), 5.0–316.0 (Co), 25.0–188.0 (Cr), 4.7–100.0 (Cu), 50.0–282.0 (Mn), 19.0–288.0 (Ni), 25.0–563.0 (Pb), 300.0–1050.0 (Sn) and 29.0–235.0 (Zn). The mean sediment concentrations (in μg/g (dry weight)) ranged within 0.1–0.35 (Ag), 0.05–1.18 (Cd), 0.17–1.38 (Co), 1.94–4.91 (Cr), 1.46–20.95 (Cu), 667.7–3946.8 (Mn), 11.69–39.72 (Ni), 10.92–38.98 (Pb), 17.21–56.52 (Sn) and 96.2–229.6 (Zn). The data indicate that some of the sites analysed, especially in Lake Nakuru, had relatively higher concentration levels of heavy metals Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn in the water which points to anthropogenic addition. However, potential influence of geochemical processes on the concentration levels in sediment is also shown in Co, Ni, and Cu which were more concentrated in the remote Lake Baringo sediment as well as in Pb and Mn which were more concentrated in the remote Lake Bogoria sediment. Data on some important limnological parameters including pH, salinity, electrical conductivity and temperature are also presented.     

Heavy Metals in Livers of Waterbirds from Spain

Wetlands tend to accumulate heavy metals from local sources, such as Pb shot used for waterfowl hunting, and from regional sources, such as atmospheric deposition and riverine or marine inputs. We determined concentrations of six heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in livers of waterbirds shot by hunters in five Spanish wetlands to study the different factors that can contribute to the accumulation of these metals (sex, age, diet, grit, and Pb shot ingestion). Differences among wetlands were observed only for Cr, Cu, and Cd. Differences among species were observed for all the metals, and Cu was notably higher in pochards (Aythya and Netta genus) than in other waterfowl. Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations increased with age, and only Pb showed differences related to sex, with males having higher concentrations than females. Most metals other than Pb were correlated with each other. Lead was dependent on Pb shot ingestion. Grit ingestion positively correlated with concentrations of Cr and to a lesser extent with Mn, Zn, and Cd. Ingestion of grit or shot may obscure relationships between metals and diet. Herbivorous species, which had more grit in the gizzard, had higher Cr, Zn, and Cd concentrations. Granivorous birds, which have the highest rates of Pb shot ingestion, had the highest concentrations of Pb. Grit and Pb shot ingestion are both important sources of heavy metals for waterbirds. Lead was the single metal studied whose concentrations exceeded toxicity thresholds. Received: 5 March 2002/Accepted: 12 June 2002     

Observations on metal concentrations in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in reservoirs of south Sri Lanka

Samples of the muscle and liver of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) obtained from the five reservoirs in four catchments in southern Sri Lanka in 1998 were analyzed for 16 elements: As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometry, and Hg by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Pb were below the detection limits of the instrumental techniques employed in all samples. The elements As, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, and Zn were detected in the muscle and liver tissue, with Cd detected in some liver samples. There were no statistically significant differences between the individual concentrations of any of the metals and the site from which the tilapia were collected (P>0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant correlations were found between total length of fish and metal concentration. No elements were found at concentrations of toxicological concern. However, a principal component analysis suggests that the populations of tilapia in the reservoirs may be exposed to different regimes of metals, possibly associated with different catchment land-use patterns.     

Differences in Concentration of Heavy Metals Between Native and Transplanted Plagiothecium denticulatum: A Case Study of Soils Contaminated by Oil Well Exudates in South East Poland

For a period of 60 days, the terrestrial moss Plagiothecium denticulatum was transplanted from a clean control site to a soil contaminated with crude oil exudates (Krosno, South East Poland). Native P. denticulatum growing on this contaminated soil was collected during the same period. Concentrations of the metals Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn as well as the macroelements N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were determined in P. denticulatum and in soils from the contaminated and control sites. Contaminated soil was the main contributor of Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn to native and transplanted P. denticulatum. Other sources of contamination apart from the soil existed for Cd and Cu. Transplanted P. denticulatum accumulated significantly more Al, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and native P. denticulatum accumulated significantly more N, P, K, and Ca. Higher levels of N, P, K, and Ca in native P. denticulatum indicates a possible mechanism to prevent the loss of these elements as observed in the transplanted P. denticulatum.     

Anthropogenic Sources of Heavy Metals in the Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya

Water and surface sediment samples from Rivers Sabaki, Ramisi and Vevesi that flow into the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya were analysed for heavy metals. The sediment concentrations of exchangeable cations (in μg/g) for Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn ranged from 0.10 to 506.75 (for Mn at Sabaki), constituting between 2% and 20% of the total metal concentrations obtained by digestion with strong acid. Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were more leachable with 0.1 N HCl. The total dissolved metal in water and the total sediment concentrations for Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn are given in the text. For dissolved metals, the metal/Mn ratios indicated higher concentrations of Ag in Sabaki River, Cd in Ramisi, Ni in Sabaki and Pb in Ramisi, respectively. In sediments, the metal/Mn ratios showed higher enrichment of Ag in Ramisi, Cd in Sabaki and Vevesi, and Zn in Sabaki, respectively. Enrichment factors showed elevated levels of Cd, Pb and Zn in sediment in River Sabaki and River Vevesi that were due to anthropogenic inputs through Athi River. The total dissolved metal concentration ranges for the three rivers were comparable with those ranges reported in rivers in South Africa but the sediment concentrations were below those of rivers in Europe and Asia where anthropogenic addition of some of the toxic elements such as Cu, Pb and Cd is evidently higher.     

Level of Heavy Metals in Some Edible Marine Fishes of Mangrove Dominated Tropical Estuarine Areas of Hooghly River, North East Coast of Bay of Bengal, India

The muscles of some important marine fishes collected in and around Hooghly estuarine coastal areas were analyzed for the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr and Pb. The concentration range of Cu (16.22–47.97 ppm), Pb (12.40–19.96 ppm) and Zn (12.13–44.74 ppm) were recorded comparatively higher and were similar to that found in contaminated areas. On the other hand the ranges of Ni (2.20–3.69 ppm), Cr (0–3.89 ppm) and Cd (0.62–1.20 ppm) were almost equal to those carried out over a wide range of geographical areas. The degree of bioaccumulations was metal-specific as well as species-specific in nature. The toxic groups of metals (Pb and Cd) showed higher variability than the essential metals (Cu, Zn and Ni). The calculated intake value of metals (week⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body wt) varied from 14.88 to 27.60 of Pb, 0.87 to 1.68 of Cd, 0.0 to 5.45 of Cr, 22.70 to 137.16 of Cu, 3.08 to 5.17 of Ni and 16.98 to 62.60 of Zn through human consumption of these fishes and were compared with those of standard Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake value (PTWI) per kg body weight as stipulated by WHO. The PTWI_Cal values of Pb in some of the fishes recorded marginally excess values and may indicate a health risk through consumption of successive 7 days in a week.     

Monitoring Trace Metal Contaminants in Green Mussel, Perna viridis from the Coastal Waters of Karnataka, Southwest Coast of India

The green mussel (Perna viridis) is widely distributed in the coastal waters of Asia and is used in mussel watch programmes for monitoring environmental contaminants throughout the region. Green mussels representing different size groups and habitats were sampled from their natural beds at 28 locations in the inshore waters of Karnataka (southwest coast of India) to analyze the tissue concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Tissue concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb were significantly higher in smaller mussels than in the larger size group. Significantly higher concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni were observed in mussels sampled from intertidal beds when compared to mussels from the subtidal beds. The sampling sites were categorized into industrial sites (IS), urban sites (US), and nonurban sites (NS) based on principal component analysis of metal concentrations in mussel. Spatial variations in tissue concentrations of all metals were observed except for Zn. Generally, the levels of toxic trace metals like Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr in the whole tissue of P. viridis were within safe limits throughout the coast of Karnataka. However, relatively high concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb were observed in the whole tissue of green mussels collected from the industrial sites (IS), which may be derived from a variety of anthropogenic activities.     

Relationship of lead and cadmium to essential elements in hair, teeth, and nails of environmentally exposed people

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the environmental exposure to Pb and Cd during 1990-1997 of inhabitants of Katowice District, which is an area of high environmental exposure to lead and cadmium, as well as exposure to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Ca, Na, and K, on the basis of concentrations in hair, teeth, and nails. This investigation was to explain if accumulation of Pb and Cd can affect the concentration of such essential metals as Fe, Zn, Cu, and Ca. Inhabitants of the Beskid area constituted a control group. Analysis of the aforementioned elements was carried out on 624 hair samples, 785-tooth- samples, and 338 nail samples taking into consideration sex, age (<15, 16-30, >30 years), and type of teeth (incisor, canine, molar, premolar). Concentrations of elements in the media investigated were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results were calculated using the Statistica program. The major statistical analysis focuses on determining analysis of variance by MANOVA/ANOVA, Rao R (P<0.05), Spjotvolla-Stoline'a test, and cluster analysis (1-Pearson r). The investigation revealed that among the media investigated, Pb concentration in hair is an environmental marker of exposure to this metal in the human organism and depends on sex and age. It was also observed that an increase in Pb concentration in hair causes a decrease in Fe and Ca concentrations and changes the ratios of essential metals: Fe/Cu, Fe/Zn, and Ca/Zn. It is concluded that not only in blood but also in the hair, lead significantly influences Ca and Fe. Analysis of nail samples of people living in Katowice District indicated that an increasing concentration of Pb decreases concentrations of copper and zinc. Increased accumulation of such metals as Ni, Cr, and Mn in teeth was observed for samples taken from inhabitants of Katowice District.     

Pulmonary metal distribution in urban dwellers

To clarify the factors influencing the concentrations and distribution of metal elements in the lung, we analyzed the following 8 metals in the 5 lung lobes of 17 autopsied urban dwellers by flame or flameless atomic absorption spectrometry: aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn). The arithmetic mean value (in micrograms of metal per gram of dry weight) calculated for five lobar metal concentrations in each subject ranged from 80 to 681 for Al, from 0.34 to 3.41 for Cd, from 0.41 to 12.7 for Cr, from 0.22 to 1.93 for Ni, from 0.15 to 1.47 for Pb, from 0.64 to 2.36 for Mn, from 2.84 to 7.24 for Cu, and from 40.7 to 77.6 for Zn. The eight metals were classifiable into two groups on the basis of the interindividual and interlobar concentration variations. The first group, consisting of Cu and Zn, was characterized by smaller interindividual variations (coefficient of variation, CV < 30%) and smaller inter lobar variations (mean CV < 15%). Their levels were not affected significantly by sex, smoking habits, or possible occupational exposure to metal-containing dust. In contrast, the second group, consisting of Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Mn, exhibited larger interindividual variations (CV > 45%) and larger interlobar variations (mean CV > 25%). Concentrations of these metals, except for Cd, tended to be higher in the upper lobes than in the lower lobes. The concentrations of Al and Cr were significantly higher in men than in women. Smoking significantly elevated the levels of Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb, and the concentrations of Al, Cr, Ni, and Mn were higher in subjects with possible occupational exposure to metal-containing dust than in those without such exposure. However, the interlobar distribution patterns of the metals did not seem to be influenced by sex, smoking habits, or occupational exposure to metal-containing dust. Received: 18 March 1996 / Accepted: 2 January 1997     

Element differences and evaluation of the dietary intake from farmed oysters and mussels collected at different sites along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg⁻¹ in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.     

健康成人血清铜、铁、锌、镉、铅、锰、铬、钙、镁、钾含量的调查研究

应用原子吸收光谱分析法,测定了在南京从事不同作业的360名健康成人血清中Cu、Fe、Zn、Cd、Pb、Mn、Cr、Ca、Mg、K 10种元素的含量,经分组统计处理,探讨了不同工种、性别、年龄及工龄与血清元素水平的关系。结果表明,不同工种间血清Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Mn、Pb、Ca、Mg、K含量均有显著性差异;不同年龄段血清Cu、Zn、Cd、Mn、Pb、Mg含量有显著差异;女性血清Cu、Zn、Ca、K含量高于男性,而血清Cd低于男性;不同工龄间血清Cu、Fe、Zn、Cd、Cr、Pb、Mg含量有显著性差异。     

Bioaccumulation of Metals in the Edible Catfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heteropneustes fossilis</Emphasis> (Bloch) Exposed to Coal Mine Effluent Generated at Northern Coalfield Limited,Singrauli, India

Metal accumulation in various tissues of Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to the effluent generated from an open cast coal mine was investigated. The contents of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in the effluent were above the permissible limits as suggested by the different pollution control agencies. Out of the eight metals investigated, accumulation (mg kg⁻¹ dry weight of tissue) of Fe was maximum in every tissues followed by liver (265.88 ± 49.89) > kidney (153.0 ± 65.85) > gills (50.66 ± 23.923) > brain (49.303 ± 5.11) > air breathing organs (27.98 ± 10.93) > skin (19.56 ± 2.53) > muscles (8.74 ± 0.83). This was succeeded by Pb in brain (39.35 ± 5.79), Zn in kidneys (27.04 ± 2.31), Mn in the gills (20.69 ± 3.044), Cu (12.53 ± 1.01) > Cr (5.10 ± 2.87) in liver and Cd in kidneys (2.18 ± 0.084). Liver and ABOs showed significant uptake of all the metals. Except Cu and Cr, accumulation of most of the metals by kidneys and gills were also significant. Accumulation of Fe, Cd, Pb and Cr in most of the tissues of exposed fish were above the permissible limits indicating their potential hazardous impact on fish as well as on fish consumers. Even in the tissues of untreated fish the concentrations of Fe (12.26–428.47), Cd (0.2–1.22), Pb (0.02–9.42) and Cr (1.14–11.05) were above the permissible limits. This clearly demonstrates greater bioavailability of these metals in the area.     

Elemental Status in Sediment and American Oyster Collected from Savannah Marsh/Estuarine Ecosystem: A Preliminary Assessment

Sediment and American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) collected from nine selected marsh/estuarine ecosystems in Savannah, Georgia were analyzed for elements such as Al, As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, and Zn. Sediments were extracted by ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc), Mehlich-3 (M-3), and water procedures, whereas an acid digestion procedure was adopted for oyster tissue. Concentrations of elements were higher in M-3 extractions followed by NH₄OAc and water extraction procedures. Calcium and Mg was greater in sediments by any of the extractions, whereas other elements differed depending upon the extraction procedures. There were no significant spatial variations (p < 0.05) of any of elements analyzed except Mn, in NH₄OAc/water extraction procedure and Fe and Al by water extraction procedure. Contamination of Al, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, and Zn in oyster tissue ranged from 399 to 1460, 231 to 254, <1.5 to 2.9, <1.5 to 8.0, 67 to 121, 232 to 1357, 17 to 54, <0.5 to 0.64, <1.5 to 2.5, <1.5 to 4.0, 241 to 381, and 978 to 2428 μg/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Greatly elevated concentrations of elements such as P, Ca, Mg, K, and S were noticed in oyster tissue. The concentration range of Hg and As in sediment was 1.2–1.9 and 11–55 μg/g dw, respectively. The concentration range of Hg and As in oyster tissue was 130–908 and 200–912 ng/g dw, respectively. With the exception of As and Hg, other elements are several orders of magnitude greater in oyster tissue. There is no significant (p < 0.05) contamination variation in target analyses between the nine selected sites. Concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and oyster were either comparable or lower than those of other countries. Greater biota-sediment accumulation factor was noticed for P and Zn. Concentrations of Hg and P in oyster tissue were higher than the threshold limit for human consumption. Overall, the baseline data can be used for regular ecological monitoring, considering the domestic and industrial growth around this important marsh/estuarine ecosystem.     

Toxic element concentrations in the Razorbill Alca torda (Charadriiformes, Alcidae) in Portugal

The present study provides the first data on inorganic element levels (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn) in juvenile, immature, and adult razorbills (Alca torda) collected along the central coast of Portugal. Element concentrations were assessed by ICP-MS in kidney, liver, muscle, and feathers of 28 razorbills, including 4 juveniles, 17 subadults, and 7 adults. The effect of age and tissue on element accumulation was also assessed. The detected levels in razorbills may indicate a possible contamination risk by Hg and Cr. With respect to bird tissues, higher accumulation of Se and Cd was detected in kidney, Zn and Pb in feathers, and As and Mn in liver. Age was found to affect the accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Mn, juveniles presenting higher levels of Cu and Mn than older individuals. In razorbill kidney, Zn–Hg constituted the most significant relationship among metal concentrations. Liver presented the highest number of significant relationships (mostly involving Zn and Co). With regard to feathers, the most significant relationships involved Se, Zn, Cr and Cu concentrations. Positive linear relationships were detected among kidney, liver, and muscle, with emphasis on relationships involving Se and Hg, which may be indicative of similar accumulation/regulation mechanisms in those organs. Element concentrations are discussed in view of possible detoxification mechanisms in seabirds.     

Heavy Metals in Aquatic Macrophytes from Two Small Rivers Polluted by Urban,Agricultural and Textile Industry Sewages SW Poland

This article presents the results from a study of the comparison of 2 lowland rivers: the Olobok and the Pilawa in southwest Poland polluted by urban, agricultural, and textile industry sewages. pH and concentrations of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate, and sulfate were measured in water samples and concentrations of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, and Zn were measured in stream bottom sediments and in the aquatic macrophytes Elodea canadensis, Callitriche verna, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton natans, and Ceratophyllum demersum from the river Olobok and Elodea canadensis, Polygonum amphibium, Potamogeton crispus, and Veronica beccabunga from the river Pilawa. The matrix of concentrations of 16 elements in 27 plant samples of 7 species from 15 sampling sites of 2 rivers and concentrations of 15 elements and pH in water samples and 16 elements and pH in bottom sediment samples of these sites was submitted to numerical classification, which revealed that sampling sites from the rivers were differentiated by the value of factor 1 of principal component analysis (PCA), which was related to the pH of water, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Ni in water and Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, P, and S in bottom sediments. More polluted parts of both rivers were differentiated from less polluted parts by the value of factor 2 of PCA, which was related to Pb, Zn, and sulfates in water and Ca and Zn in bottom sediments. Macrophytes from the Olobok and Pilawa rivers were differentiated by the value of factor 1, which was related to Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, N, Na, Pb, and S. Groups of macrophytes of more and less polluted parts of both rivers differed by the value of factor 2, which was related to P, K, and Mn. Downstream of the sewage outputs in both rivers, a significantly increased level of pollution occurs with elements correlated with factor 1: Among others were Cu and Cr, typical for the textile industry along the river Pilawa, and among others were Mn and Ni, typical for the urban and agricultural activities in the river Olobok.     

Distribution of Mercury and Other Trace Metals in the Cockle Cerastoderma glaucum from the Mediterranean Lagoon Etang de Thau

The concentrations of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Fe in the soft tissue of the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum from six sites along the Mediterranean Lagoon Etang de Thau were determined by AAS; Hg was determined by the cold-vapor technique. Significant spatial variations in metal concentrations within the lagoon were recorded. Elevated levels of tissue Pb, Cr, and Hg in the Etang des Eaux Blanches, an area adjacent to the harbor and highly industrialized region, are likely of anthropogenic origin. Seasonally dependent variations in the tissue concentrations of trace elements at Crique de l'Angle were observed. The highest levels of Cr and Pb in the tissue were identified in March 1992, of Hg, Co, and Fe in period August 1990–January 1991, of Mn in August 1992, and Ag in January 1991. The gills contained the maximum amounts of Co and Ni, the mantle the most Fe and Hg, and the digestive gland (hepatopancreas) had most Cu. Received: 10 February 1998/Accepted: 6 July 1998     

Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Female Laying Great Tits (Parus major)and Their Clutches

Egg laying may be an additional excretory pathway for heavy metals available to laying female birds. In this study, we examined the relationships between tissue concentrations (both internal organs and feathers) of 10 breeding female great tits (Parus major) and the concentrations in their eggs. We also investigated differences in metal concentrations (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) among eggs as a result of the laying order of the eggs. Heavy-metal concentrations in internal tissues were highest in bone (Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn), kidney (Cd), liver (Cu), blood (Al, As, Co, Hg), and intestine (Ag, Mn). In the egg contents, relatively high concentrations of the essential elements Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn were found. In eggshells, concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Co, Cr, and Ni were high compared with internal tissue concentrations. Metal concentrations in the egg contents and eggshells were poorly correlated with metal concentrations in internal tissues and feathers; significant positive correlations were found only for cadmium and lead. We found few significant differences in metal concentrations among eggs, and none were according to the laying order of the eggs. The egg volume tended to decrease significantly as egg laying progressed. Our results seem to suggest that no special sampling strategies (e.g., sampling the first egg or pooling eggs from one clutch) are required for most metals.     

Influence of Parasitism on Trace Element Contents in Tissues of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Its Parasites Mesocestoides spp. (Cestoda) and Toxascaris leonina (Nematoda)

Bioaccumulation of cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in 56 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their parasites Mesocestoides spp. (Cestoda) and Toxascaris leonina (Nematoda) was studied. The levels of heavy metals were determined in the livers and kidneys of the animals depending on parasitism in the following ranges: Pb, 0.029–3.556; Cd, 0.055–9.967; Cr, 0.001–0.304; Cu, 4.15–41.15; Mn, 1.81–19.94; Ni: 0.037–0.831; Zn, 52.0–212.9 μg/g dry weight (dw). Cd in parasites (0.038–3.678 μg/g dw) were comparable with those in the livers of the host and lower than in the kidneys (0.095–6.032 μg/g dw). Contents of Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in cestodes were predominantly higher than those in the kidney and liver of the host. Median lead levels in Mesocestoides spp. (45.6 μg/g dw) were 52-fold higher than in the kidney and liver of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) infected by both parasites and median Pb values in T. leonina (8.98 μg/g dw) were 8-fold higher than in the tissues of the parasitized red fox. Bioaccumulation factors of copper, zinc, nickel, and manganese are lower than those of lead and mostly range from 1.9 to 24 for Mesocestoides spp. and from 1.5 to 6 for nematode T. leonina depending on the tissue of host and element. A significant decrease in the content of Pb was found in the kidney of animals infected by T. leonina (0.260 μg/g dw) as well as those infected by Mesocestoides spp. (0.457 μg/g dw) in comparison with the lead content (0.878 μg/g dw) in the kidneys of the nonparasitized red fox. Regardless of a bioaccumulation of copper and manganese in the parasites, a significant increase of the concentrations of Mn and Cu was observed in the host’s livers infected predominantly by Mesocestoides spp.