Distribution of cadmium and lead in liver and kidney of some wild animals in Slovakia

Abstract

The content of cadmium and lead, as risk factors of environment, in liver and kidneys of wild animals as brown hare (Lepus europaeus), yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), wood mouse (Cleithrionomys glareolus), and red deer (Cervus elaphus) were studied. Samples were analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method (AAS). The highest levels of cadmium were found in kidneys (0.213-2.387 mg/kg) of all animal species. The concentration of cadmium in liver was 0.032-0.258 mg/kg. The analysis of lead showed that the concentration of this element was higher in kidneys of yellow-necked mouse and wood mouse (0.503-0.780 mg/kg) than in liver (0.177-0.268 mg/kg). In brown hare and red deer a higher accumulation of lead in liver (0.221-1.904 mg/kg) in comparison with kidneys (0.115-0.561 mg/kg) is reported.