The occurrence and dynamics of polychlorinated hydrocarbons in brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in south-western Slovakia

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2012;47(9):1217-23. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2012.672068.

Abstract

This study aimed at obtaining the data on the occurrence, levels and correlations of organic pollutants present in game animals (n = 75, Brown hare, Lepus europaeus Pall.) in the region of south-western Slovakia. The analyses performed included dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorobenzen (HCB), alpha- and beta hexachlorocyclohexane (α+β-HCH), gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-delor, commercial mixture of PCB congeners). A gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector was used for the analysis. PCB-delor and DDT were accumulated significantly in the highest level (0.105 ± 0.059 mg/kg; 0.070 mg/kg) in depot fat in brown hares; however maximum permissible limits for the observed pollutants were not exceeded. Significantly higher concentrations of DDT, HCB, γ-HCH, and PCB-delor were found in adult animals when compared with juvenile hares. Gender and season had no effect on the accumulation of observed pollutants. Moderately positive correlation was found between PCB-delor and DDT (r = 0.59). Monitoring of environmental pollution with polychlorinated hydrocarbons is important with regard to public health, as game animals constitute an important part of food chain also for humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Hares / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / pharmacokinetics*
  • Slovakia

Substances

  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls