Heavy metal levels in tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Eastern Croatia.

The aim of this study was to measure the levels of some toxic and essential metals in the kidney cortex and jawbone of red deer caught in Baranja region, Eastern Croatia. Kidneys and jawbones of 57 red deer (17 males, 40 females), aged six months to ten years, were collected and the concentrations of metals determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The median mass fraction of toxic cadmium, mercury, and lead in the kidney were 0.099 mg kg(-1), 0.362 mg kg(-1), and 0.578 mg kg(-1) (wet weight), respectively. In the jawbone, the Pb mass fraction was 0.281 mg kg(-1). The median levels of essential elements in the kidney were 35.1 mg kg(-1) for Zn, 5.20 mg kg(-1) for Cu, and 108 mg kg(-1) for Fe. The mass fraction of Zn in the jawbone was 86.8 mg kg(-1). Statistical analysis showed age-related differences in the accumulation of Pb in both tissues and of Cd in the kidney. Kidney Zn and Fe also increased with age. Toxic metal levels in the kidney exceeded the levels considered acceptable for human consumption, especially in older animals.