Heavy metals and chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in the red fox in relation to some biological parameters

Heavy metals and organochlorine contamination were analyzed in tissues of r ed foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Province of Siena (central Italy). Mercur y (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were assessed in liver ti ssues and the data were analyzed for differences in relation to sex and age . Overall Hg, Cd and Pb mean values were 0.16, 0.62 and 0.64 mu g g(-1) d.w ., respectively. HCB, DDT and PCB concentrations were assayed in fatty tiss ues and muscle. The highest levels of those pollutants were found in muscle (0.47, 1.16 and 20.2 mu g g(-1) lipid basis of HCB, DDTs and PCBs respecti vely), rather than in fat (0.23, 0.49 and 7.2 mu g g(-1) l.b. of HCB, DDTs and PCBs respectively). Pollutant accumulation was analyzed in relation to sex, age and sexual maturity of females.