XENOBIOTIC METALS IN MUSCULES AND BONES OF MALLARD FROM SOUTHERN POLAND

Abstract

Samples collected from adult males of Mallard (shot in 2011 near Zator) were analyzed in the aspect of cadmium and mercury concentrations. Among bones samples of radius, ulna, humerus, femur, tibia, crista sterni and rostrum were taken. From muscles musculus pectoralis major, m. pectoralis minor, m. gastrocnemius, m. tibialis anterior,
m. biceps, m. triceps, m. external oblique, and m. lingua were sampled. Concentrations were measured with AA spectrometer and mercury analyzer. Cadmium concentrations were lower in muscles – only 7% of these samples have concentrations higher than the detection limit. Cadmium content in bones are not high (medians range 1.962 – 2.508 µg/g d.w.). Mercury concentrations in bones were diverse: from 0.016 (ulna) to 0.213 (rostrum) µg/g w.w. In muscles accumulation was low and medians fitted in the range between 0.020 (biceps) and 0.025 µg/g w.w.