Metal pollution in a salt marsh and its effect on sheep
Baars, A.J.; van Beek, H.; de graaf, G.J.; Spierenburg, Th.J.; Beeftink, W.G.; Nieuwenhuize, J. (1986). Metal pollution in a salt marsh and its effect on sheep, in: Chambers, P.L. et al. (Ed.) Toxic interfaces of neurones, smoke and genes. Proceeding of the European Society of Toxicology Meeting Held in Kuopio, June 16-19, 1985. Archives of Toxicology. Supplement, 9: pp. 410-413
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| Keywords |
Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals
Pollution
Sheep
Water bodies > Inland waters > Wetlands > Marshes
Marine/Coastal; Brackish water |
| Authors | | Top |
- Baars, A.J.
- van Beek, H.
- de graaf, G.J.
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- Spierenburg, Th.J.
- Beeftink, W.G.
- Nieuwenhuize, J.
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| Abstract |
In a salt marsh in the Westerschelde, samples were taken from soil and vegetation during 15 months. Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe were measured and compared with levels of these metals in livers, kidneys, and faeces of sheep grazing there. The contamination extent of soil ranges from 2 (Cu) to 8 (Cd); in spring some plants exceed the advised maximum tolerable level of dietary Cd for sheep. However, levels of metals in organs from sheep do not indicate intoxication, nor did clinical inspections and autopsies. It is suggested that sheep exhibit a selective consumption behaviour and that the bioavailability of the metals in this marsh is low. |
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