The distribution of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Pb and Sn) were investigated in various tissues and organs obtained from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) during April - July 1991. Metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal concentrations were generally high in the liver, and low in brain and melon. Some metals showed organ-specific accumulations: copper, tin and zinc exhibited high concentrations in liver, the highest cadmium concentration was observed in kidney. Pathological, microbiological and parasitological surveys were performed on the animals. It was not possible to relate dolphin death to a specific cause, or to contaminants; however, the accumulation of metals may contribute to certain pathological alterations.
Trace elements in organs and tissues of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Mediterranean Sea (Southern Italy)
Cardellicchio N;Di Leo A;Giandomenico S
2002
Abstract
The distribution of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Pb and Sn) were investigated in various tissues and organs obtained from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) during April - July 1991. Metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal concentrations were generally high in the liver, and low in brain and melon. Some metals showed organ-specific accumulations: copper, tin and zinc exhibited high concentrations in liver, the highest cadmium concentration was observed in kidney. Pathological, microbiological and parasitological surveys were performed on the animals. It was not possible to relate dolphin death to a specific cause, or to contaminants; however, the accumulation of metals may contribute to certain pathological alterations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
