Publication
Title
Non-destructive mercury exposure assessment in the Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) : spines as indicators of endogenous concentrations
Author
Abstract
Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation characteristics, and toxicity, environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is of high concern for human health, living organisms, and ecosystems, and its biological monitoring is highly relevant. In this study, the levels of total Hg were measured in organs, tissues, and spines of 50 individuals of Brandt's hedgehog collected in Iran in 2019. The Hg median levels in kidneys, liver, muscle, and spines were 156, 47, 47, and 20 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the levels of Hg in kidneys and liver (r = 0.519; p < 0.01) and in spines and muscle (r = 0.337, p < 0.01) and kidneys (r = 0.309, p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in Hg levels in organs and tissues were also observed depending on the sex, weight, length, and age of the individuals. In addition, the median levels of total Hg in kidneys of Brandt's hedgehogs from an agricultural ecotype (median 190 +/- 65) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those collected from a forest ecotype (median 126 +/- 50), suggesting that the habitat could have a significant impact on animal contamination.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - Landsberg
Publication
Heidelberg : Springer heidelberg , 2022
ISSN
0944-1344 [print]
1614-7499 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S11356-022-19926-0
Volume/pages
29 :37 (2022) , p. 56502-56510
ISI
000773866200020
Pubmed ID
35347622
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.05.2022
Last edited 03.10.2024
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