Heavy metal, organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl occurrence in tissues of fallow deer (Dama dama) from Southern Italy

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of some pollutants in organs of fallow deer (Dama dama) from the Cropani-Micone Nature Reserve of the Calabria region (Southern Italy). The presence of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and the six non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) was determined. Metal concentrations were obtained by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer whereas the other contaminants were determined by using a gas chromatography system coupled with an electron capture detector. Although the search for OCPs and ndl-PCBs produced negative results with values below the limit of detection, traces of some metals were identified. A quantification was available only for Pb (not detectable -0.621 mg/kg), Cd (0.005-2.081 mg/kg) and Cr (0.086-0.794 mg/kg). Some not statistically significant differences have been found for Cd, with females fallow deer showing higher Cd levels (0.143-2.081 mg/kg) compared to males of the same age (maximum Cd level was only 0.888 mg/kg). The results of this study support the conclusion that there is not an environmental contamination risk by heavy metals and pesticides for this specie living in Cropani-Micone Nature Reserve.