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

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse correlations and variability between the levels of mineral elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Ca and Mg) and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the longissimus lumborum muscle, hair and selected organs of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.). The levels of mineral elements were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). Of all analysed microelements, the highest concentration (in g·kg−1 of dry weight) was found for Fe in the liver. Considering all macroelements, the highest level was found for K in the longissimus lumborum muscle. Particularly remarkable was the high level of Pb in the muscle and hair of red deer. The level of Cd in the hair was four to five times lower than in other samples. The study revealed many significant correlations between the levels of certain elements in individual tissues and organs. There were significant correlations between Cu-Fe (rxy = 0.650; p ≤ 0.01), Pb-Cu (rxy = −0.863; p ≤ 0.01) and Cd-Ca (rxy = −0.743; p ≤ 0.01) in testicles. For kidneys, a significant negative correlation was found for K and Na (rxy = −0.779; p ≤ 0.01) and for Ca and Cd (rxy = −0.695; p ≤ 0.01), and a positive correlation between Cu and Mn (rxy = 0.693; p ≤ 0.01). In the liver, significant negative correlations were found between Ca-K (rxy = −0.654; p ≤ 0.05), Cd-Fe (rxy = −0.651; p ≤ 0.05) and Pb-Cu (rxy = −0.627; p ≤ 0.05). In the muscle, only single significant correlations were found between Cd and Mn (rxy = 0.648; p ≤ 0.05). The highest number of significant correlations were recorded for the hair, among others between Na-K (rxy = 0.760) and Ca-Zn (rxy = 0.709) at p ≤ 0.01. The study revealed high variability in the levels of mineral elements and selected toxic metals in tissues, organs and hair of red deer. Additionally, this research confirmed that the accumulation of a specific metal in a tissue or organ can reduce its concentration in another matrix or promote its increased content in another tissue or organ.

Effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer Capreolus capreolus L.

“…In order to investigate the complex relationship between elements, Tables 3 – 5 in the Supplementary information present correlations between selected metals in individual tissues (in the Supplementary Materials ). Similar to this study, negative interactions between Zn and Cu were reported for the hair of red deer by Cygan-Szczegielniak et al ( 2018 ) and by Cygan-Szczegielniak ( 2021 ). A study conducted by Kabata-Pendias and Pendias ( 1999 ) also revealed a metabolically significant antagonism between Zn and Cu, and the competition between these elements for their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.…”

“…In our own research, no clear pattern confirming these relationships was obtained, as was shown in the studies by Garcia et al ( 2011 ). Other research confirmed that hard tissue, including hair, may be an equally good measurement matrix to reflect a degree of heavy metal accumulation (Cygan-Szczegielniak 2021 ; Cygan-Szczegielniak et al 2018 ). Studies conducted by other authors also confirm the use of hard tissue in bioindication techniques.…”

“…soil and surface water bodies, and from there migrate to plants and accumulate in them. The next link in the food chain are animals and humans, and metals accumulate in their different tissues and organs, such as the liver, kidneys (Cai et al 2009 ; Cygan-Szczegielniak 2021 ; Lehel et al 2017 ), hair (Cygan-Szczegielniak 2021 ; Cygan-Szczegielniak et al 2018 ; Kośla et al 2011 ; Wongsasuluk et al 2018 ) or muscles (Cygan-Szczegielniak 2021 ; Lehel et al 2016 ; Lehel et al 2017 ). Cd can easily be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as cross the placental barrier and damage the structure of nucleic acid chains.…”

Concentration of Selected Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Horse Hair as an Important Tool for the Monitoring of Animal Exposure and Health

“…Heavy metals accumulate in different organs and tissues. They can be detected, for example, in hair, internal organs and muscles [ 2 , 3 ]. Toxic metals such as cadmium or lead pose a serious risk to the proper function of living organisms.…”

“…Thus, hair is a more stable analytical matrix, providing a lot of information about a given type of exposure over the years [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. The main advantage of this biological material is its availability, which enables easy, stress-free and non-invasive sampling [ 2 , 3 , 14 , 15 ]. A high concentration of toxic elements in the bodies of livestock may reduce their productivity, performance and metabolism [ 15 , 16 ].…”