Comparison of cadmium, lead and nickel accumulation in liver, breast and leg muscles of pheasants

Abstract

In this study, the heavy metal contents - cadmium, lead and nickel were detected in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). The samples of liver, breast and leg muscles were collected from pheasants (n=13) and analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS) and expressed on a wet weight. The pheasants (n��=7) were shot by��� hu�nters (u�sing lead shots) in the defi��ned area in Eastern Slovakia or killed (n=6) without shooting. The highest mean levels of cadmium (Cd) were detected in liver (0.037 mg.kg-1). Mean lead (Pb) (0.849 mg.kg-1) and nickel (Ni) (0.548 mg.kg-1) concentration were the highest in breast muscle of shot pheasants. On the other hand, the killed pheasants had highest mean concentrations of heavy metals in liver. The analysis of investigated biological material confirmed higher mean concentrations of Pb and Ni in shot than killed pheasants. Minimum differences were observed between mean levels of Cd in shot and killed pheasants. Remarkable increase of Pb and Ni in breast muscle of shot pheasants may be due to used shots.