Distribution of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium in Small Mammals from Polluted Environments

Abstract

Lead, zinc and cadmium concentrations in a range of tissues were determined for three small mammal species from polluted and uncontaminated environments. The polluted ecosystems were disused metalliferous mine sites and abandoned smelter waste heaps, both of which were severely contaminated compared to roadside verges and urban-industrial centres. Distribution patterns for individual metals between the tissues analysed, generally conformed to the relationships reported elsewhere for laboratory investigations. However, the ratio of target organ concentrations to total body burdens varied between metals and between species. The ecological significance of these variations is uncertain but they may reflect species-dependent differential accumulation by the organs sensitive to heavy metal toxicity.