Assessment of the lead and cadmium contamination levels in the Lublin Region wetlands using mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) as a contamination vector

Abstract

Human activity emits vast amounts of heavy metals into the environment. Toxic elements that permeate through the biosphere are incorporated into the trophic chain where they are harmful to all living organisms. The aims of this research were: identification of risks and dangers to the environment in the Lublin Region associated with contamination of selected organs of the mallards by toxic elements; determination of concentration levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd) in the organs and tissues of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos); an attempt to identify the organs that would allow quick and unambiguous establishment of the mallards' condition, determined by the accumulation of toxic elements; assessment of usefulness of the mallard muscle tissue for human consumption in the context of applicable legal regulations being in force in Poland.The concentration of polluting heavy metals was ascertained using the atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS). The highest average concentration of cadmium was found in the kidneys of mallards bred in the Przytoczno animal farm. The highest average concentration of lead was found in the livers of mallards bred in the animal farm in Przytoczno in 2001; in 2002 the highest average concentration of lead was identified in the livers of mallards culled in the Częstoborowice area.The highest concentration of lead (Pb) in the organisms of mallards was found in their livers, while the highest concentration of cadmium (Cd) was observed in the kidneys. There is a strict link between the levels of heavy metal concentration in the organisms of examined birds and the area where the research samples were taken. The quality of fodder used in mallard farming should be monitored in order to reduce the risks of heavy metal contamination. Based on the research findings it is impossible to identify the organs that would allow quick and unambiguous establishment of the mallards' condition, determined by the accumulation of toxic elements. The observed levels of concentrations of lead and cadmium are harmless to consumers. High concentration levels of heavy metals in the examined organs of the mallards found in some cases justify further monitoring of the environment.

Analysis of Zinc and Copper Content in Selected Tissues and Organs of Wild Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) in Poland

“…Among all the tissues analysed in mallards, the highest average copper content was recorded in the liver. This is confirmed by previous research by 27 and by [35]. No statistical differences were shown in the average copper content in the liver between male and female mallards, which is in agreement with findings reported by [17] for birds of this species harvested in autumn in eastern Austria (37 mg•kg −1 WW).…”

“…Lower average zinc concentrations in the liver of mallards than in the present study were obtained by [34] in birds harvested in Warmia-Masuria and in Silesia (24.288 mg•kg −1 DW and 26.112 mg•kg −1 DW, respectively), by [36] in mallards in Warmia-Masuria (21.49 mg•kg −1 WW), by [35] in birds in Tuligłowy (43.4 mg•kg −1 WW) and by [15] in the liver of mallards harvested in Kanibarazan in Iran (59.63 mg•kg −1 DW). Kalisi ńska et al [23], in mallards harvested in the Sło ńsk Reserve, showed a higher average level of this element in juveniles (48.44 mg•kg −1 WW) than in adults (42.66 mg•kg −1 WW).…”

“…Male mallards had higher average levels of this element in the breast muscle than females, although the differences were not statistically significant. Higher average zinc concentrations in the breast muscle of mallards than those obtained for the Siedlce and Leszno hunting districts were observed by [34,35]. Szymczyk and Zalewski [34] showed an average zinc concentration of 19.803 mg•kg −1 DW in the breast muscle of mallards obtained in Silesia.…”

“…Szymczyk and Zalewski [34] showed an average zinc concentration of 19.803 mg•kg −1 DW in the breast muscle of mallards obtained in Silesia. Bojar and Bojar [35] obtained the highest average zinc content in the skeletal muscles of mallards harvested in Przytoczno (50.0 mg•kg −1 WW). It was more than twice as high as in the muscles of individuals harvested in Mosty (24.6 mg•kg −1 WW) and in Częstoborowice (16.0 mg•kg −1 WW).…”

The impact of using lead pellets on lead contamination of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Czech Republic

“…The lowest lead concentration was found in the liver. Bojar et al (2008) mentioned liver as a tissue with the highest lead concentration. Mapping the lead distribution in individual organs and tissues is difficult in view of the inconsistency of the published results.…”