Distribution of trace element pollutants in a contaminated grassland ecosystem established on metalliferous fluorspar tailings. 1: Lead

S. M. Andrews, M. S. Johnson, J. A. Cooke

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36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Concentrations of lead in vegetation, invertebrates and small mammals in a grassland ecosystem evolved from a mine waste revegetation scheme indicated the high concentration of lead in the original tailings. Lead levels in invertebrates reflected dietary concentrations and feeding strategy, a pattern also true of the indigenous small mammals. Total body and tissue concentrations of lead in the herbivorous Microtus agrestis L. (field vole) and insectivorous Sorex araneus L. (common shrew) were significantly higher in the contaminated grassland than in an uncontaminated area, but concentration ratios (body:diet) were less than unity and there was no evidence of age-dependent accumulation of lead.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)73-85
Number of pages13
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume58
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Toxicology
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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