CONCENTRATION OF CADMIUM IN THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS OF SOME WILD AND FARM ANIMALS

Abstract

The accumulation of cadmium in the liver and kidneys of wild animals (wood mouse, yellow-necked mouse, red deer, brown hare) in comparison with farm and laboratory animals (laboratory mouse, farm brown hare, rabbit, fallow deer and sheep) were analysed. Samples were analysed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The highest levels of cadmium were found in the kidneys (0.213 – 2.387 mg. kg -1 ) of all animal species. The concentration of cadmium in the liver ranged from 0.06 to 0.48 mg.kg -1 . Its concentration was higher in the kidneys and liver of wild animals (except of farm brown hare) than in farm and laboratory animals.