Effects of cadmium and lead ingestion on tissue concentrations of cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc in mallard ducks
Juvenile mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) drakes were offered one of seven diets containing different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and/or lead (Pb) for 42 days. The diets contained the following concentrations (μg/g) of supplemental metal(s): 0 (controls); 10 Cd; 10 Pb; 100 Cd; 100 Pb, 5 Cd plus 5 Pb; and 50 Cd plus 50 Pb. At the conclusion of the experiment, kidneys had average concentrations of both Cd and Pb that were three times greater than those in livers. In both livers and kidneys, Cd concentrations were approximately 15 times greater than Pb concentrations at equal dietary concentrations of the two metals. Pb concentrations in ulnar bones were similar to Pb concentrations in livers; Cd did not accumulate in ulnar bones. Cd ingestion increased kidney concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn); Pb ingestion had no such effect. The results of this study suggest that elevated tissue Pb concentrations (e.g. liver concentrations greater than 18 μg/g dry weight, a concentration considered indicative of Pb toxicosis) in waterfowl are due in most instances to factors other than ingestion of contaminated foods, such as Pb shot. Additionally, kidneys appear to be generally superior to livers for monitoring ingestion of Pb and Cd when analytical detection limits are pressed. © 1984.
Duke Scholars
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Environmental Sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Environmental Sciences