Heavy metal accumulation in small mammals following sewage sludge application to forests. [Sorex trow-bridgii, Neurotrichus gibbsii, Peromyscus maniculatus]

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Quality; (USA)

OSTI ID:6997979

Hegstrom, L J ^[1]; West, S D ^[2]

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1. Virginia Water Control Board, Richmond (USA)
2. Univ. of Washington, Seattle (USA)

The application of sewage sludge to forested land as a fertilizer may result in the transfer of heavy metals from sludge to wildlife. Levels of four heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu) were measured in livers and kidneys of insectivorous Trowbridge's shrews (Sorex trowbridgii) and shrew-moles (Neurotrichus gibbisii), and granivorous deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) from sludge-treated and untreated sites at Charles Lathrop Pack Forest, located near Eatonville, WA. Heavy metal levels were higher in the organ of Trowbridge's shrews from sludge-treated areas than in those from untreated areas. Only Cd was elevated in both organs of the deer mouse. Shrew-moles from sludge-treat sites had higher levels of Cd and Pb, but not Zn or Cu, than those from untreated sites. In general, heavy metal levels in the three species from control sites at Pack Forest were similar to levels found in animals from five other control sites in western Washington. Samples of liver and kidney tissue from Trowbridge's shrews were examined for evidence of heavy metal-induced lesions. Despite the high levels of heavy metals found in Trowbridge's shrews, no lesions were found in their organs.

• OSTI ID: 6997979
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Quality; (USA), Vol. 18:3; ISSN 0047-2425
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MAMMALS
CONTAMINATION
METALS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
SEWAGE SLUDGE
GROUND DISPOSAL
CADMIUM
COPPER
FERTILIZERS
FORESTS
KIDNEYS
LEAD
LIVER
USES
ZINC
ANIMALS
BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
GLANDS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANS
SEWAGE
SLUDGES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VERTEBRATES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
540220 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)