Heavy metals in kidney and liver of fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Tuscany

Samples of kidney and liver were taken from 78 roe deer and 27 fallow deer, roaming in Tuscany, Italy, shot by selection hunting; following analyses were carried out: Pb and Cd by AAS. Pb levels in roe d. liver and kidney (0.53 and 0,60 mg/kg respectively) and in fallow d. liver and kidney (0.44 and 0.65 mg/kg), Cd levels in roe d. liver and kidney (0.46 and 2.34 mg/kg) and in fallow d. liver and kidney (0.27 and 1.49 mg/kg) are in agreement with literature about non-polluted areas. In both species positive correlations between Cd contents (both in liver and in kidney) and age were observed. Cd in liver was correlated with Cd kidney content and Pb liver content. Sex effect seemed not significant. Cd level in liver was significantly higher in animals with presence of parasites, as confirmation of Cd depression effect of the immune system.