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Heavy metals in tissues of small mammals inhabiting waste-water-irrigated habitats

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5605890
 [1];
  1. Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park

Concentrations of heavy metals in liver and kidney of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and white-footed mice (Permyscus leucopus) from waste-water-irrigatedd and control areas were analyzed. Heavy metals were not accumulating in meadow voles inhabiting a reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) field irrigated with sewage effluent. In contrast, Pb and Cd concentrations were significantly higher in tissues of white-footed mice inhabiting an irrigated forested site as compared with a control forested site. However, concentrations of Pb and Cd were not high enough to be considered toxic. Cadmium/zinc ratios for kidneys of small mammals were higher than those for soils and vegetation on irrigate areas, demonstrating the potentially hazardous uptake of Cd. Heavy metals were not accumulating to hazardous levels in herbivorous small mammals inhabiting areas irrigated with sewage effluent at application rates ranging from 5.0 to 7.5 cm/week for 14 years.

OSTI ID:
5605890
Journal Information:
J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 11:1; ISSN JEVQA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English