Organochlorine pesticide, polychlorinated biphenyl and heavy metal concentrations in wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) from north-west Russia.

摘要: The wolf Canis lupus is a major terrestrial predator in eastern Europe and, as top carnivore, may be exposed to high concentrations of contaminants that are readily transferred through the food chain. Despite this, there few published data on pollutant and pesticide levels wolves. This study utilised tissues from animals legally killed by hunters for other reasons (animals were not purposes this study) carry out only detailed investigation wolves first Eastern Europe. livers 58 Tver Smoliensk regions northwest Russia (54°N 31°E 57°N 35°E) analysed seven organochlorine pesticides, 24 PCB congeners, Aroclor 1254-matched summed PCBs (ΣPCBs), total mercury, cadmium lead. Cadmium, most pesticides many congeners detectable any Hexachlorobenzene, alpha-HCH, pp′DDE, 118, 138, 149 156 lead detected up 6% livers. Dieldrin, 153, 170 180, ΣPCBs mercury more frequently. Contaminant generally low; maximum wet weight less than 0.1, 1 0.25 μg g−1, respectively. 180 accounted 41% ΣPCBs. did vary significantly between males females nor adult juvenile (<12 months old) apart ΣPCB concentration, which was average five times higher adults juveniles. Liver residues below level normally associated with adverse effects except exceeded critical 5 g−1 dry wt. concentration three examined.