The bioaccumulation of lead in the organs of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.), and wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Poland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of lead (Pb) in the livers and kidneys of free-living animals from Poland, with regard to the differences in tissue Pb content between the species. The research material consisted of liver and kidney samples collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) that had been hunted in 16 voivodeships of Poland. The concentration of lead had been measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The results show that differences in lead concentration in the organs depended on the geographic location. In roe deer and red deer, the highest mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys, observed in the central region of Poland, were twice as high as the lowest concentration of Pb in these animals from the northeastern region of the country. In wild boar, the highest mean concentration of Pb was noted in the livers of animals from the central region of Poland and in the kidneys of animals from the northwestern region, while the lowest lead concentrations in both organs were typical for wild boar from the southeast part of the country. Our results show that areas located in the center and in the north of Poland carry most of the burden of lead bioaccumulation.

The Levels of Mineral Elements and Toxic Metals in the Longissimus lumborum Muscle, Hair and Selected Organs of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in Poland

“…The exposure may be directly related to the distance of organs from the gunshot wound; the effect of this factor may be minimised by careful collection of test matrices or organs intended for human consumption [ 31 ]. This study demonstrated that the concentrations of Pb in kidneys and liver calculated for wet weight were approximately 10–15% higher than concentrations reported for the organs of roe deer, red deer and wild boars from various regions of Poland [ 2 ]. In the cited study, levels of Pb ranged from 0.45 for roe deer liver and 0.50 mg·kg −1 w.w. for wild boar liver.…”

“…On the other hand, meat, liver and kidneys are consumed by humans, and for this reason, the presence of harmful xenobiotics in these organs can pose a real threat to human health. Considering the above, the assessment of the safety and quality of food products sourced from game is very important [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 15 ].…”

“…Minerals such as Cu, Co, Mn and Zn are particularly important for ruminants, and their deficiencies can lead to serious problems with reproduction, impair growth and also cause osteochondrosis [ 1 ]. Major factors which may lead to the onset of certain disorders in the mineral status include environmental pollution manifested by the contamination of soil, plants, water or air, which is often associated with biogeochemical conditions [ 2 ]. Appropriate concentrations of micro- and macroelements and their ratios in tissues, body fluids and in the hair of animals determine the normal growth and health of animals.…”

“…Considering game species, the main problem is the accumulation of toxic metals, including Pb and Cd, in animal tissues. The monitoring of toxic metals in specific organs can provide valuable information about pollution of animal habitats, and about their exposure to these pollutants [ 2 , 3 ]. Both xenobiotics, Pb and Cd, enter living organisms via two major routes: enteral and respiratory [ 3 ], and due to their high mobility in the natural environment and strong tendency to accumulate, they undergo biomagnification in the food chain [ 4 ].…”

Micro- and macroelement contents in the liver of farm and wild animals and the health risks involved in liver consumption

“…Health authorities pay particular attention to testing food produced by animal or plant farming for metal content. A number of research papers also discussed the issue of metal content in the tissues of wild animals (Bakowska et al 2016, Dip et al 2001, Długaszek and Kopczyński 2011, Medvedev 1999, Oyaro et al 2007). Wild animals are commonly believed to be healthier, and their meat is safer for consumption, due to their “healthier,” more natural nutrition.…”