title: Levels of metals in blood samples from Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from urban areas in Poland.
abstract: In this paper we present the studies conducted on blood samples taken from Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Birds were captured for ringing purposes (n = 43) in two small and two big towns (including highly urbanized areas). For comparison samples of blood from birds shot on fish ponds were used (n = 26). Based on the body mass all sampled individuals can be assessed as being in good condition. Levels of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in blood samples were measured with AAS. Concentrations of metals did not differ statistically between sexes and made up a following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr ≈ Ni > Pb > Cd. Mallards from towns revealed lower concentrations of Zn and Cu but higher concentration of Fe. There was no difference in exposition to Pb between birds from towns and fish ponds.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054 Cracow, Poland. ljbinkowski@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lukasz J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Binkowski
authors.forename: Włodzimierz
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meissner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002947:Cities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004372:Ducks / Q000097:blood*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008670:Metals / Q000097:blood*; D011044:Poland
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008670:Metals