Risk assessment of lead contamination for small mammal food chains (case studyfor shooting ranges)

Pb levels were measured in tissues of small mammals (Microtus agrestis, Apodemus flavicollis, Sorex araneus and Crocidura leucodon), inhabiting shooting ranges of the Slovenian Army (Apače, Bač, Bloška polica, Crngrob, Mačkovec, Poček); in addition, Pb content was analysed in their diet as well. The present research was performed with the aim to confirm the use of small mammals as bioindicators of Pb contamination of shooting ranges and to performthe risk assessment of military shooting ranges for small mammals. Increased Pb levels were determined in livers of small mammals, inhabiting theshooting ranges. Food is probably the most significant route of Pb exposurefor small mammals since the elevated concentrations of Pb were measured in grasses, clovers, herbs and earthworms, sampled at the shooting ranges. On the basis of presented results we suggest that shooting ranges could pose an elevated risk for receptor organisms (Microtus agrestis), although Pb concentrations relatively quickly decreased with distance from backstop berms, which are particularly loaded with Pb