Trace and macro elements in the femoral bone as indicators of long-term environmental exposure to toxic metals in European brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) from Croatia

摘要: We explored the long-term accumulation of aluminium, strontium, cadmium and lead in compact trabecular bone femoral epiphysis, metaphysis diaphysis 41 brown bears (Ursus arctos) from Croatia. Also, we assessed their influence on macro trace elements (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc barium) bears’ bone. There were no sex differences element levels general, while age was associated with length all elements, except for cadmium. Elements had different depending part sampled. More pronounced observed between regions, higher majority found Moderate to high associations (Spearman coefficient, rS = 0.59–0.97) confirmed calcium zinc, strontium lead. Lead below those known cause adverse health effects, but 4 animals they exceeded baseline domestic animals. The bear reflected accumulative nature well, as it did impairment bone-forming essential these two elements. However, distribution pattern along not uniform, so additional care should be taken when choosing