Abstract
A total of 77 specimens of the mallard Anas platyrhynchos were sampled from the eastern part of Austria before the ban on lead gun shot for hunting water fowl. Samples of muscle and liver were analyzed for their content of Cr, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Hg and Pb using atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition the Hg content of feather samples from this aquatic bird species was evaluated. Results generally show higher concentrations of the metals in the liver compared to muscle; for mercury the concentrations were feathers > liver > muscle. Elevated, in some cases critical concentrations of Cr, Cu, Cd, Hg and Pb were measured. Levels of Ag were recorded for the first time for this species from Europe, providing basic information for future evaluation of this upcoming pollutant in aquatic environments.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 670-676 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Science of the Total Environment |
Volume | 580 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Feb 2017 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 104003 Inorganic chemistry
- 104023 Environmental chemistry
Keywords
- Water fowl
- Trace elements
- Lead
- Silver
- Mercury
- AQUATIC BIRDS
- SILVER NANOPARTICLES
- TRACE-ELEMENTS
- MERCURY
- CADMIUM
- LEAD
- WATERFOWL
- TISSUES
- ZINC
- USA