Contamination of Apodemus flavicolis in the experimental study area - Ružomberok

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the paper mill factory MONDI SCP Inc. on the yellow - necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis. The level of impact was defined by the levels and temporal changes of the pollutants and their distribution in the bodies of mice. The relation to the sex and locality was also investigated. Samples were collected on the hill Mních, which is significantly polluted due to its close proximity to the factory. Samples were also collected from control area Hrboltová. Subsequently they were examined by the X – ray Spectrometer DELTA. The highest extent of S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo and Pb pollution in liver was detected in spring season, as well as pollution of Fe and Cu with an opposite trend of Rb and Ca. Female liver contained more Mo in relation to the amount of Pb and Zn, whereas the liver of males exhibited proportionally higher amounts of Pb, Zn and lower amounts of Mo. In the control area Hrboltová, our mice tended to contain more Cu and less S, Cl and K, while in Mních it was vice versa. Pb prevailed in the kidneys of mice found in Mních while Rb prevailed in the control area. An inverse relationship between Rb, Mo versus Cl was detected in kidneys. Increase of Cl is dominant mainly in spring and autumn season, while its decrease is dominant in summer. The same pattern was detected of an inverse relationship between Rb, Ca versus Fe, Zn. Rb and Ca are absorbed mainly by kidneys of males, whilst Mo is absorbed more by females. Individuals from Mních contained more Fe and K, while animals from the control site Hrboltová contained more Ca and Rb when related to Fe and K.