Heavy metals in tits from polluted forests in Southern Poland

Abstract

Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in tits collected in three polluted forest sites in southern Poland and in a relatively unpolluted site at Białowież Forest. Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper and iron contents were determined by AAS in the liver, femur bones, feathers and carcasses. In all these organs and in the caracasses the concentrations of cadmium and lead attained higher levels in birds from polluted regions than in the control birds. The concentrations of copper, zinc and iron did not differ significantly. The adult birds living in polluted forests are regarded as the group most endangered by heavy metal pollution. The danger comes mainly from cadmium and lead ingested with contaminated food.