RESUMEN
Studies were carried out in the vicinity of a zinc smelter in southern Poland, 50 km northwest of Krakow, where the previous measurements with another bioindication method revealed huge thallium levels in the environment. The mammals (106 individuals in total) were captured in four wooded areas situated 1.5 to 2.5 km in various directions from the plant and in two reference sites, located far from industrial emission sources. Very high Tl levels were found in livers and kidneys of all mammals examined from the two areas nearest the smelter. Bank voles were the most loaded (maximum Tl in kidneys, 34.27 microgram/g dry mass; in livers, 14.53 microgram/g; values from unpolluted areas were below the detection limit, 0.07 microgram/g). A distinct decrease in the amount of hair-a characteristic of thallium poisoning-was observed in several individuals. The extreme case was a wood mouse with the rear half of its body almost entirely hairless (!). Densities of single populations and the whole community were very low, up to 4.8 individuals/ha, including insectivores. Numerical proportions between species were changed in comparison to unpolluted areas. The age structure was deformed, with a disproportionate small participation by young generations. Among the males studied, only sexually inactive individuals were found. The condition of populations and the community of small mammals living here was much worse compared with data from the surroundings of other zinc smelters.
Asunto(s)
Animales Salvajes/metabolismo , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Riñón/química , Hígado/química , Roedores/metabolismo , Talio/análisis , Alopecia/inducido químicamente , Animales , Femenino , Riñón/metabolismo , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Metalurgia , Polonia , Factores Sexuales , Especificidad de la Especie , Espectrofotometría Atómica , Talio/envenenamientoRESUMEN
The Environmental Specimen Bank has proposed a list of matrices recommended for collection from terrestrial and marine areas as well as from inland waterbodies. There have been taken into consideration the most common and available species, chiefly in western Europe. Poland is making ready for co-operation with ESB to gather samples within the country and must consider a number of regional differences resulting from among others geographical distinction (another quantity of populations, spatial distribution etc.). There are also different legislative regulations with respect to protection of certain species. The authors have selected some species from the list of ESB and proposed in certain cases substitutional matrices.
Asunto(s)
Bancos de Muestras Biológicas , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Animales , Aves , Bivalvos , Eucariontes , Oligoquetos , Polonia , ÁrbolesRESUMEN
This study examined the lead and cadmium content of external tail feathers of magpies from 15 localities in Poland, differing in degree of industralization and urbanization. Extremely high levels (up to 1500 micrograms/g dry wt. Pb and about 40 micrograms/g dry wt. Cd) were found in samples from areas surrounding two zinc smelting works. The correlation between metal content in feathers and size of immission (mg/m2/y) at the sites of capture was 0.96 for Pb and 0.97 for Cd. Magpie tail feathers are recommended as a material for environmental biomonitoring.