Heavy metal pollution of the upper silesia region: biomonitoring studies of magpie (pica pica) tissues

摘要

Magpies fulfil most criteria as biomonitoring species. They have widespread occurrence, resident behaviour and possibility of accumulation of trace elements within a relatively small individual territory. During the period 1989-1993 the magpies from 21 Polish regions were captured in living-traps. The regions were different in type of industrialisation and urbanisation. There were also included the surroundings of the 3 largest Polish zinc smelters. Two of them are located in the Upper Silesia region (Szopienice and Miasteczko Slaskie). The Bukowno area is placed at the south-east edge of the region and can seriously influence the Upper Silesia by air-borne dust emissions. Tail feather samples were taken from all of captured 165 birds and about 60 samples of internal organs from the sacrified birds. Captured 165 birds and about 60 samples of internal organs from the sacrified birds.