Mammalian Feces as Bio-Indicator of Heavy Metal contamination in Bikaner Zoological Garden, Rajasthan, India

摘要

Present study is an attempt to evaluate feces as bioindicator of heavy metal contamination in captive zoo mammals. This is anon-invasive technique to study gross exposure of metal pollution. Various metal contents in mammals of Bikaner (India) zoowere in the range of 58.4-3.14 (Cervus unicolor) to 1.82-0.96 (Panthera. tigris) ppm d/w. Cadmium was in range between2.46-0.08 (Axis axis) to 0.41-0.03 (Macaca mulatta) ppm d/w. Chromium was in rage of 91.68-2.28 (Oryctolaguscuniculus) to 1.36- 0.36(Macaca mulatta) ppm d/w. Copper was in range between 22.82-2.18 (Panthera pardus) to6.15-0.45 (Boselaphus tragocamelus). Whereas zinc was found in range of 35.6-1.35 (Canis aureus) to 8.15-0.45(Boselaphus tragocamelus) ppm d/w. Analysis of feed and water along with the soil in cages which is receiving particulateair pollutants indicates that air pollution is the primary cause due to high density of traffic in the area.