THE ENVIRONMENTAL-HEALTH PROFILE (EHP) FOR THE ACRE VALLEY (ISRAEL) -XENOBIOTICS IN ANIMALS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF STRESS

The scope of this study was to analyse the levels of various xenobioti cs in animals, wild and domestic, of the Acre Valley in the north of I srael, the most polluted and dense urbanised part of the country. The focus was placed upon the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, such as Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Al, Fe, as well as other elements and PCBs. Analysis was also performed on levels of cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase in birds and man influenced by insecticides in the same region. For this study we used X-ray scanning electron microscopic (S.E.M.) electron p robe, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, gas chromatography for PCBs and biochemical methods specific for enzymes. We studied four species of littoral molluscs, four species of birds and five species of mamma ls including dogs and cats. The results showed very high levels of met als and PCBs and enzyme deviations in birds and man around the sprayed cotton fields, as compared to man from the close to towns. All the co llected data will serve as an Environmental Health Profile for immedia te and future consideration.