Monitoring of contaMination of the LubLin region wetLands using MaLLards (AnAs plAtyrhynchos) as a vector of the contaMination by various conditionaLLy toxic eLeMents

abstract objectives of the research included: determination of concentration levels of selected conditionally toxic elements (Zn, cu, Mn, cr) in the organs and tissues of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos); identification of risks and dangers to the environment in the Lublin region associated with the contamination of selected organs of mallards by some conditionally toxic elements; an attempt to identify the organs that would enable quick and conclusive establishment of the mallards' condition, resulting from the accumulation of conditionally toxic elements; and evaluation of the edibility of mallard muscle tissue in terms of permissible standards and regulations binding in Polish law. over a time span between 2001 and 2002, a total of 120 birds were examined. the concentration of polluting elements in collected samples of organs and tissues was ascertained using atomic absorption spectrometry (aas). the results obtained were subjected to further statistical analysis. significance of the correlation coefficient was analysed using student's t-test. the highest concentration of copper (cu) and manganese (Mn) was found in livers, and the highest concentration of zinc (Zn) was observed in muscles. it was also observed that the concentration of chromium (cr) in the livers, kidneys and muscles of examined birds was comparable. the highest concentration of conditionally toxic elements was observed for ducks bred in the animal farm in Przytoczno. the concentration of conditionally toxic elements in organs of mallards depends significantly on their habitat. the quality of fodder used in mallard farming should be continuously monitored in order to reduce the risk of contamination with conditionally toxic elements. the high concentration of conditionally toxic elements in examined organs of mallards found in some cases justifies further monitoring of the environment. based on the present study, it is not possible to determine organs that would enable quick and conclusive establishment of mallards' health resulting from the accumulation of conditionally toxic elements