Abstract
Three birds species (Buteo buteo, Ardea cinerea, and Somateria mollissima) from the Netherlands were investigated for lead and cadmium concentrations using kidneys, livers and tibiae. A major purpose of this study was to gain insight into the exposure of the birds in the Netherlands to the two heavy metals. Secondly, the use of these birds as biomonitors for environmental pollution was studied.
Common eiders contained a higher cadmium load in liver and kidney than buzzards and grey herons. Additionally, they contained a higher lead burden in bone than grey herons.
The three bird species, all standing at the end of a different food chain, seem appropriate indicators for environmental contamination with heavy metals.
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Hontelez, L.C.M.P., van den Dungen, H.M. & Baars, A.J. Lead and cadmium in birds in the Netherlands: A preliminary survey. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 23, 453–456 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203808
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203808