Cadmium levels in young coots originating from industrial and agriculturalregions of north-middle Poland

This paper presents results of research determining cadmium levels in liver s of 48 coots (Fulica atra) aged 5-6 months, originating from industrial (B ydgoszcz) and agricultural (Znin) areas. Studies were carried out in 1993-1 995. The results of the investigation show a decrease in the amounts of the anal ysed cadmium in birds from Bydgoszcz region (from 0.04 mg/kg to 0.03 mg/kg wet mass), while there was an increase of this metal in coots nesting in th e area close to Znin (from 0.03 mg/kg to 0.04 mg/kg). Increasing cadmium le vels in Znin region indicate a potential threat to the birds inhabiting thi s area. This statement was confirmed by the fact that coots stayed in the Z nin neighbourhood for 5-6 months only. The highest cadmium level in the liv er was 0.05 mg/kg.