Element Composition of Diet and Tissues of Small Mammals of Different Trophic Levels as a Bioindicator of the Chemical Pollution of Environment
V. S. Bezel, K. P. Kjoutsenogii, S. V. Mukhacheva, T. I. Savchenko, O. V. Chankina
Pages: 33-42
Abstract
Comparative analysis of the element composition of diet and tissues (liver) of the individuals of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) and common shrews together inhabiting chemically polluted (impact) and non-disturbed (background) territories of the Middle Urals was carried out. The obtained data allow one to estimate the role of ecological factors in the formation of biogenic cycles of chemical elements participated by the mammals belonging to different links of trophic chains. The group of phytophages (voles) occupies a special place in the translocation of chemical elements over the trophic levels of mammals. The specific features of feeding for these species and the existence of the gastrointestinal barrier limit the accumulation of elements in animal organisms. Under the same conditions, carnivores (common shrew) play the part of concentrators of a number of chemical elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, As etc.) in the mammal community. The concentrations of these elements increase in the animal organisms in comparison with their concentrations in their food. The toxic load on an animal organism (liver) does not depend on the trophic specialization.
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