Influence of age on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Apodemus sylvaticus at Merja Zerga lagoon, Morocco

Abstract

The influence of age and sex on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Apodemus sylvaticus was studied in Merja Zerga lagoon in northern Morocco. Five trace metal elements (Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Fe) were quantitatively analyzed by Varian AA 240 atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace in three organs (Liver, Kidney and Heart) from animals of different age and sex. The maximum metal level of the analyzed samples was recorded in adults and was limited to 46.62 μg/g for Pb and 35.1 μg/g for Cu, while it reached 22.69 μg/g, 7.59 μg/g and 6.78 μg/g for Cr, Zn and Fe, respectively. Highly significant differences were found for bioaccumulation of heavy metals according to animal ages and no significant differences were observed between the two sexes among the studied animals. Our results revealed also the existence of a strong correlation (r > 0.65) between the majority of biometric parameters and the trace element concentrations. In general, we found that age is a critical factor in estimating the level of heavy metal pollution. Other characteristics such as habitat, feeding habits and anti-predator behavior of the species need to be studied.

Evaluation of bioconcentration of trace elements in the Western Mediterranean mouse (Mus spretus Lataste, 1883) at two Moroccan wetland sites

“…The same distribution was recorded at Dayet Erroumi with 13.65 μg / g for Cu and 12.34 μg / g for Pb. This tissue distribution corroborates the results obtained for Apodemus sylvaticus in Merja Zerga (Tifarouine et al 2019), and Crocidura leucodon (Marques, 2007).…”

“…The high concentrations of trace elements reported at the Merja Zerga are the result of pollution whose origin is different. The concentrations are mainly due to the discharges of the exhausts of the vehicles and the wear of the tires containing the Lead (Blagojevic J et al, 2012), because this zone is known by a very dense road tra c (Tifarouine et al, 2019). Merja Zerga is positioned on two large agricultural perimeters: Gharb and Loukkos.…”

“…The increase in concentrations of the HMs in Merja Zerga matches the preceding studies reporting signi cant amounts of these elements in the soil (Mhamdi Alaoui et al, 2010 ;Maanane et al, 2015;Boutahar et al, 2019), in sh (Wariaghli et al, 2013) and in rodent tissues (Tifarouine et al, 2018). Tifarouine et al, 2019; reported that the effectiveness of the bioaccumulation process of Apodemus sylvaticus (Muridae) in Merja Zerga depends only on the individual's age whereas sex has no effect. Sanchez Cardi et al, 2007, demonstrated that mercury increase with age also occurs in another micromammal, Crossidura russula from a polluted wetland.…”

Detection, Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metals/Metalloids, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Goat Carcasses Processed for Human Consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria

“…The age-dependency and seasonality of THMs (refer to Table 6 ) offer useful epidemiological information, which has to be utilised so as to limit (THMs) contamination in goat meat. Chevon from young goats (less than four years) for human consumption could be a remedy, given that THMs increasingly accumulate with age [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 36 ]. Further, feeding goats concentrates or hay, rather than lush pasture, could help decrease THMs meat contamination in chevon.…”

“…Examples like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are among the top ten THMs of major public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations [ 10 ]. The toxicity of THMs has always been dependent on the dose, route of exposure, age and nutritional statuses of the exposed individuals or animals [ 11 , 12 ]. Multiple industrial, domestic, agricultural, medical and technological uses of THMs may result in heavy environment pollution with the toxic metals and the possibilities of food-producing animals (FPAs) and humans getting exposed [ 13 ].…”