Investigation of the significance of heavy metal contents of blackbird feathers.

The lead, cadmium and zinc in untreated blackbird (Turdus merula L.) feathers is predominantly of exogenous origin. The endogenous concentration is of minor importance. The degree of surface metal pollution depends on exposure time. The exogenous fraction of heavy metals cannot be completely removed by washing procedures. The difference between washed and unwashed feathers is demonstrated by SEM micrographs.