Cumulation of heavy metals in organs of brown hare in south-western Slovakia
1994
Slamecka, J. | Jurcik, R. | Peskovicova, D. (Vyskumny Ustav Zivocisnej Vyroby, Nitra (Slovakia)) | Tataruch, F.
Heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, Hg) in the organs (liver, kidney) of brown hares from 6 localities in south-western Slovakia and in cage breeding were estimated. The organs were sampled from the bag in the hunting season 1990-91. The differences in Pb content in liver between young and adult hares were not significant (P=0.6715) (Tab. 2). Tendency of Pb content decrease in kidneys of adult hares near significant level was observed (P=0.0547). Hg content increases with age significantly in liver (P=0.0226) and kidneys as well (P=0.0270). Cd content is in adult hares significantly higher (P=0.000). In spite of higher average values of heavy metals in organs of females (except Pb in the liver), the differences between males and females were not significant (Tab. 3). The heavy metal contents varied greatly among localities. The highest Pb content was found in Salgovce and Zlate Klasy (Tab. 4), Cd and Hg content in Salgovce and Nebojsa (Tab. 5 and 6). Bad parameters of population dynamics were estimated in hares from the most loaded locality, Salgovce. The Salgovce population seems to be influenced by environmental pollution with heavy metals. Hares kept in cages have lower concentrations of Pb and Hg, while the Cd content does not differ from that of free-ranging hares. Due to high heavy metal contents (exceeding acceptable limits) in the organs, these hares are not suitable for consumption
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