HEAVY-METALS IN THE HAIR OF OPOSSUM FROM PALO-VERDE, COSTA-RICA

Levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and manganese were measure d in the hair of opossum (Didelphis virginiana) from Pale Verde, Guana caste, Costa Rica. This area has some agriculture, but is slated for e xtensive water development that will increase ecosystem exposure to a variety of agricultural chemicals. Metal levels were generally not int er correlated except for chromium and lead, chromium and cadmium, and cadmium and lead. There were significant gender differences only for l ead and chromium, with the significantly smaller females having higher levels. It is suggested that hair from mammals, particularly abundant ominivores may be useful, bioindicators of environmental quality over a long time period.