Muscle mercury and selenium in fishes and semiaquatic mammals from a selenium-deficient area.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare total mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and Se:Hg molar ratios in fish muscles (phytophages n=3; benthophages n=32; predators n=5) and semiaquatic carnivores, including piscivores (the European otter n=8, the feral American mink n=7) and the omnivorous raccoon (n=37) from a riverine European ecosystem in a Se-deficient area. The Hg concentration in fish reached 0.337µg/g dry weight, dw (0.084µg/g wet weight, ww). We found significant differences among Hg levels in tested vertebrate groups (predators vs benthophages: 0.893 vs 0.281µg/g; piscivores vs omnivores: 6.085 vs 0.566µg/g dw). Fish groups did not differ in Se concentrations, with a mean value of 0.653µg/g dw. Significant differences were revealed between Se levels in piscivorous and omnivorous carnivores (0.360 vs 0.786µg/g dw, respectively). Fish Se:Hg molar ratio values were >2.2. Benthophages had higher the ratio than predators but similar to phytophages. Among carnivores, piscivores had much lower the ratio than raccoon (0.14 vs 3.75) but raccoon and fish medians did not significantly differ. We found almost two times higher Se levels in fish and raccoons compared to piscivores, possibly resulting from lower fish Se digestibility by piscivores in contrast to higher absorption of plant Se by many fish and omnivorous raccoons. Considering that a tissue Se:Hg molar ratio <1 may be connected with a Hg toxicity potential increase, we assume that piscivores in Se-deficient area are in worse situation and more exposed to Hg than fish and omnivores.

The Occurrence of Trichinella spp. in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Different Regions of Poland: Current Data.

Trichinellosis is one of the most widespread parasitic zoonoses. Trichinella Owen, 1835 nematodes are found in pigs, horses, and humans in the domestic cycle, and in many carnivores and omnivores in the sylvatic cycle, such as wild boars, red foxes, raccoon dogs, and wolves. Carnivores are known to be involved in the circulation of Trichinella nematodes and they act as a reservoir in the sylvatic environment. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. infection in red foxes in Poland. Samples were collected from 2010 to 2015 in different regions of the country and then tested for Trichinella nematodes using HCl-pepsin digestion. Trichinella larvae were found in 10.02% of examined samples (145/1447). The larvae were identified as T. spiralis (11.03%), T. britovi (71.72%), and T. pseudospiralis (0.69%). No mixed infection was observed. The prevalence of infection varied between years and different voivodeships of the country. Our findings confirm that red foxes are involved in the maintenance of Trichinella spp. in the sylvatic cycle in Poland.

Brains of Native and Alien Mesocarnivores in Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Europe.

Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are involved in mammalian brain damage. However, little is known about Pb and Cd brain levels in wildlife that reflect the geochemical background. The aims of the study include the estimation of Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations, and the determination of relationships between these elements in the brains of 94 mesocarnivores. Road-killed or hunted animals were obtained from north-western Poland near the Polish-German border. The investigation covered the native Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, badger Meles meles, pine marten Martes martes, beech marten M. foina, European polecat Mustela putorius, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and alien species: feral and ranch American mink Neovison vison, raccoon Procyon lotor and raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. Depending on the diet and environmental pollution, the carnivore brains accumulated toxic metals in varying amounts. The highest median Hg levels (in mg/kg dry weight, dw) were found in the piscivorous Eurasian otter and feral mink (2.44 and 3.96), Pb in the omnivorous raccoon (0.47), while Cd in minks (~0.06). We indicated that Pb-based ammunition is a significant source of the element in scavengers from hunting area, and we also found a significant correlation between Pb and Cd levels in the fox brain. Finally, this study is the first to suggest background levels for brain Pb and Cd in mesocarnivores (<0.50 and <0.04 mg/kg dw, respectively).

Influence of Environmental Factors and Relationships between Vanadium, Chromium, and Calcium in Human Bone.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of environmental factors on the concentrations of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), and calcium (Ca) and to examine the synergistic or antagonistic relationships between these metals, in cartilage (C), cortical bone (CB), and spongy bone (SB) samples obtained following hip joint surgery on patients with osteoarthritis in NW Poland. We found significantly higher concentrations of V and Cr in spongy bone in patients who consumed game meat and also those with prosthetic implants. Chromium levels were significantly lower in patients with kidney diseases. The greatest positive correlations were found between spongy bone V and (i) the amount of consumed beer and (ii) seafood diet. Correlation analysis also showed a significant correlation between Cr levels and seafood diet. To a certain extent these results indicate that the concentrations of V, Cr, and Ca in the human hip joint tissues are connected with occupational exposure, kidney diseases, diet containing game meat, sea food, beer, and the presence of implants. Furthermore, we noted new types of interactions in specific parts of the femoral head. Vanadium may contribute to the lower bone Ca levels, especially in the external parts (cartilage and cortical bone).

Fluoride in the bones of foxes (Vulpes vulpes Linneaus, 1758) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834) from North-Western Poland.

Assessment of exposure to fluoride (F(-)) is increasingly focused on mineralized tissues, mainly bones. Their periodic growth and continuous reconstruction make them a good material for studying long-term F(-) accumulation. In this study, F(-)concentrations were determined in the bones of foxes and raccoon dogs from north-western Poland and relationships between bone F(-) and the age categories of the animals were attempted to be identified. Bone samples were collected from femurs of 32 foxes (15 males and 17 females) and 18 raccoon dogs (10 males and 8 females) from polluted, medium-polluted, and unpolluted by F(-) areas. Bone F(-) was determined by potentiometric method, and results were expressed per dry weight (dw); they ranged from 176 to 3,668 mg/kg dw in foxes and from 84 to 1,190 mg/kg dw in raccoon dogs. Foxes from north-western Poland accumulated much more F(-) in their bones than raccoon dogs. Our study shows that the assessment of hazards created by industrial emitters can be conducted conveniently by the measurements of fluorine content in hard tissues of wild animals. Due to availability of such type of material for studies, it seems that the analysis of fluoride content in bones can be a good tool in the development of ecotoxicology.

Total and methylmercury in soft tissues of white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) collected in Poland.

Mercury (Hg) contamination in piscivorous birds, especially methylmercury (MeHg), has been drawing much attention worldwide in regard to its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains. In this study on Hg in the soft tissues of white-tailed eagles (n = 22) and ospreys (n = 2) from Poland, total Hg (THg) range was 0.15-47.6 while MeHg range was 0.11-8.05 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight. In both species, median THg and MeHg concentrations were lower in the muscle and brain than in the liver and kidney. Median nephric residues were just under 3 and 5 mgTHg kg⁻¹ or 0.9 and 3.7 mgMeHg kg⁻¹ for white-tailed eagle and osprey, respectively. In Norwegian data from the 1970s and in our results, MeHg in the muscle of white-tailed eagle was ~60 % THg (%MeHg = MeHg/THg × 100), lower than in other piscivorous birds. A clear similarity in THg tissue levels was found between Polish and German populations of white-tailed eagles.

Fluoride concentrations in the pineal gland, brain and bone of goosander (Mergus merganser) and its prey in Odra River estuary in Poland.

The aim of the study was to investigate fluoride concentrations in bone, brain and pineal gland of goosander Mergus merganser wintering in the Odra estuary (Poland) as well as in fish originating from its digestive tract. The fluoride concentrations were determined with potentiometric method. Medians of concentrations in goosander had the highest and the lowest values in pineal gland and brain (>760 and <190 mg/kg, respectively). Fluoride concentration in the pineal gland was significantly greater than in the bone and the brain of the duck. In fish, the fluoride concentration ranged from 37 to 640 mg/kg and significant correlation was revealed between the fluoride concentration and fish weight and length. Based on own results and data of other authors, a daily fluoride intake by the goosander in the Odra estuary was estimated at 15 mg. So high fluoride concentrations like in the duck have not been found in mammal brains.

Mercury levels in raccoons (Procyon lotor) from the Warta Mouth National Park, northwestern Poland.

This is the first report on mercury (Hg) levels in the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and brain of raccoon in Europe. It studied Hg concentration in 24 raccoons from the Warta Mouth National Park, northwestern Poland by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The highest total Hg concentrations in the raccoon were found in the liver (maximum, 18.45 mg/kg dry weight), while the lowest in the brain (maximum, 0.49 mg/kg dw). In adult raccoons, Hg concentrations in the liver, kidney, and brain were higher than in immature individuals (p<0.001), while similar in skeletal muscle in both age groups. Our results are consistent with studies by other authors conducted in North America in areas with similar environmental conditions.

Mercury and selenium in the muscle of piscivorous common mergansers (Mergus merganser) from a selenium-deficient European country.

Although the relationship between mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) has been studied in wild birds in areas with sufficient or excessive Se levels, little is known about this relationship in areas where the supply of Se is limited. As Hg detoxification is based on the production of biologically inactive Hg-Se complexes, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the concentrations of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (InHg=THg-MeHg), percent MeHg of THg, Se and molar ratios (THg:Se, MeHg:Se, InHg:Se) in the breast muscle (n=16) of the piscivorous common mergansers (Mergus merganser) from a Se-deficient and moderately Hg-polluted area in Poland. Mergansers were divided into two groups differing in condition (A-very good condition; C-moderate condition). Concentrations of THg, MeHg and Se were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, modified gas chromatography atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, and spectrofluorometric methods, respectively. In all studied mergansers, mean concentrations of THg, MeHg, InHg, and Se in muscle were 2.63, 1.92, 0.46, and 0.54µgg(-1)dw, respectively. THg and MeHg concentrations in the muscle of group A mergansers were greater than in group C. The ratio of THg:Se was higher in group A than in group C (2.32 vs 1.36; p<0.01), as well as the molar ratio of MeHg:Se (A vs C: 1.98 vs 1.03; p<0.05). Comparisons between mergansers from Poland and Canada showed similar THg and percent MeHg in the muscle, but mergansers from Poland had several times lower Se levels and higher THg:Se ratios (>2.0) than the Canadian mergansers and other European and North American waterbirds. We found statistically significant positive correlations (MeHg-THg, percent MeHg/THg-MeHg, percent InHg/THg-InHg, THg:Se-THg, MeHg:Se-THg, THg:Se-MeHg, MeHg:Se-MeHg, InHg:Se-InHg, MeHg:Se-THg:Se) and some negative correlations (percent InHg/THg-MeHg, percent MeHg/THg-InHg, THg:Se-Se, MeHg:Se-Se). As THg and percent MeHg in the studied mergansers were similar to populations living in non-Se-deficient areas, it is likely that different mechanisms of muscle Hg detoxification have evolved in mergansers populations living in Se-deficient areas.

The concentration of manganese, iron, and strontium in hip joint bone obtained from patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and strontium (Sr) in the cartilage with adjacent compact bone and spongy bone collected from patients after total hip replacement surgery. In addition, we examined relations between the concentrations of the metals in the bone and selected environmental factors. The concentration of Fe was the highest while Mn concentration was the lowest. The concentrations of Fe in the spongy bone in patients from larger cities were higher than in those living in smaller towns and villages. Significant correlations were found between Fe and Mn concentrations in the cartilage with adjacent compact bone and in the spongy bone, and between Mn and Sr in the spongy bone. In general, Mn, Fe and Sr concentrations in the bones of patients from NW Poland were lower than in other Polish regions and Europe, especially in industrialized countries. In conclusion, it seems that in addition to routine monitoring of the abiotic environment, it is essential to monitor concentrations of heavy metals having a long-term impact in humans.

Hepatic and nephric mercury and selenium concentrations in common mergansers, Mergus merganser, from Baltic Region, Europe.

The subject of the present study was the piscivorous common mergansers (Mergus merganser). The total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), selenium (Se) inorganic mercury (InHg; THg - MeHg), percentage of THg that is MeHg (%MeHg), molar ratios (THg:Se, MeHg:Se, InHg:Se), and their mutual relations in livers and kidneys were determined in ducks from an Se-deficient area in Poland. The authors verified a hypothesis that, as a result of living in an Se-deficient region, mergansers from Poland should have higher THg:Se ratios than other waterbirds with similar THg tissue levels. Although a comparison of healthy mergansers from Poland and Canada showed similar THg tissue contents, the group in the present study had a few times lower Se levels and higher THg:Se ratios (overall means >1.7 in both livers and kidneys in all studied individuals) than the Canadian group and other European and North American waterbirds. The authors found significant correlations between various relations, including MeHg-THg, InHg-THg, Se-THg, %MeHg-THg, InHg/%THg-THg, %MeHg/THg-InHg, %InHg/THg-InHg, MeHg:Se-THg:Se, InHg:Se-THg:Se, InHg:Se-MeHg:Se in liver and InHg-THg, Se-THg, Se-InHg, %MeHg-THg, %MeHg-InHg, %InHg/THg-InHg, THg:Se-THg, InHg:Se-THg, MeHg:Se-MeHg, THg:Se-InHg, InHg:Se-InHg, and InHg:Se-THg:Se in kidney. It is likely that the main factor responsible for the high value of THG:Se ratio (>1) in mergansers from Poland is Se deficiency in central and northern Europe. Therefore, this element is unlikely to participate in the detoxification of Hg in these birds.

The concentration of manganese, iron and strontium in bone of red fox Vulpes vulpes (L. 1758).

The aims of the study were to determine manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and strontium (Sr) concentrations in fox bone samples from north-western Poland and to examine the relationships between the bone Mn, Fe and Sr concentrations and the sex and age of the foxes. In the studied samples of fox cartilage, cartilage with adjacent compact bone, compact bone and spongy bone, the concentrations of the analysed metals had the following descending order: Fe > Sr > Mn. The only exception was in compact bone, in which the concentrations were arranged in the order Sr > Fe > Mn. Manganese concentrations were significantly higher in cartilage, compact bone and cartilage with compact bone than in spongy bone. Iron concentrations were higher in cartilage and spongy bone compared with compact bone. Strontium concentrations were greater in compact bone than in cartilage and spongy bone. The manganese, iron and strontium concentrations in the same type of bone material in many cases correlated with each other, with the strongest correlation (r > 0.70) between Mn and Fe in almost all types of samples. In addition, concentrations of the same metals in different bone materials were closely correlated for Mn and Fe in cartilage and cartilage with adjacent compact bone, and for Sr in compact bone and cartilage with compact bone. In the fox from NW Poland, there were no statistically significant differences in Mn, Fe and Sr in any of the types of bone material between the sexes and immature and adult foxes.

The effect of environmental factors on concentration of trace elements in hip joint bones of patients after hip replacement surgery.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of environmental factors: cigarette smoking, dental amalgam fillings, eating habits and osteoporosis, on the concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the bone of hip joint in patients in the Orthopedics Clinic in Szczecin, Poland. Amalgam dental fillings had an effect on the Cu concentration in the cartilage with the adjacent compact bone, and on Hg concentration in the spongy bone. The highest concentrations of Cu and Hg were found in people with multiple amalgam fillings. Smoking appeared to influence Pb concentration in the cartilage with the adjacent compact bone, and Cd concentration in the spongy bone. Increased Pb was detected in smokers, and increased Cd in non-smokers. Diets rich in fish and seafood correlated with Cd concentration in the cartilage with adjacent compact bone. The greatest concentration was in people who ate fish or seafood at least once a month.

Comparison of metal concentrations in bones of long-living mammals.

The aim of this study was to compare zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury concentrations in the bones of long-living mammals-humans (Homo sapiens) and Canidae (dogs Canis familiaris and foxes Vulpes vulpes) from northwestern Poland and to determine the usefulness of Canidae as bioindicators of environmental exposure to metals in humans. Zinc concentrations in cartilage with adjacent compact bone and in spongy bone were highest in foxes (∼120 mg/kg dry weight (dw)) and lowest in dogs (80 mg/kg dw). Copper concentrations in cartilage with adjacent compact bone were greatest in foxes (1.17 mg/kg dw) and smallest in humans (∼0.8 mg/kg dw), while in spongy bone they were greatest in dogs (0.76 mg/kg dw) and lowest in foxes (0.45 mg/kg dw). Lead concentrations in both analyzed materials were highest in dogs (>3 mg/kg dw) and lowest in humans (>0.6 mg/kg dw). Cadmium concentration, also in both the analyzed materials, were highest in foxes (>0.15 mg/kg dw) and lowest in humans (>0.04 mg/kg dw). Mercury concentration in bones was low and did not exceed 0.004 mg/kg dw in all the examined species. The concentrations of essential metals in the bones of the examined long-living mammals were similar. The different concentrations of toxic metals were due to environmental factors. As bone tissues are used in the assessment of the long-term effects of environmental exposure to heavy metals on the human body, ecotoxicological studies on the bones of domesticated and wild long-living mammals, including Canidae, may constitute a significant supplement to this research.

Comparison of concentrations of lead and cadmium in various parts of the femur head in patients after arthroplasty of the hip joint in Northwest Poland.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in three kinds of materials (cartilage, cortical bone, and cancellous bone) of the femur head obtained from patients in the process of operation. METHODS: Concentrations of Pb and Cd were determined in selected parts of the femur head of 30 patients after total hip arthroplasty, using ICP-AES (atomic absorption spectrophotometry). RESULTS: Pb contained the highest concentration in cortical bone, while Cd did so in cancellous bone. There were statistically significant differences in the concentrations of both elements between the cartilage and cortical bone, and also differences in the concentration of Pb between the cartilage and cancellous bone. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of Pb or Cd between cortical and cancellous bone. CONCLUSION: Comparative studies on toxic metals should take into account both analogous bones and their fragments, as even if they come from the same kind of bones (e.g. femur head), clear differences exist in concentrations of heavy metals related to the sampling site and type of tissue (cartilage, cortical bone, and cancellous bone).

Trace metals and micronutrients in bone tissues of the red fox Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758).

In this study we determined the levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and mercury) in three layers of bones of the hip joint (cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone) of 30 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from north-western Poland. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ICP-AES) in inductively coupled argon plasma using a Perkin-Elmer Optima 2000 DV. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone samples from the red fox, median concentrations of the metals studied could be arranged in the following descending series: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Hg, the values ranging from 142 to 0.002 mg/kg dw. There was a significant difference in Cu concentrations, among all the materials analyzed, with much more Cu found in spongy bone than in compact bone. Significant differences were also noted in the case of Hg concentrations in cartilage with compact bone and the spongy bone, and between concentrations of this metal in compact bone and spongy bone. In males, the concentration of Hg in spongy bone was greater than in females. Younger foxes had a higher concentration of this metal in cartilage than adults. The strongest synergistic relationships were observed in spongy bone between the Zn and Cu, Zn and Cd, as well as between Cu and Cd. Statistically significant antagonistic relationships were detected between zinc and lead in compact bone. In addition to monitoring studies conducted on the abiotic environment, an urgent need exists for long-term monitoring of concentrations of heavy metals with long-term effects on living organisms. An important addition is provided by biomonitoring studies on domesticated and free-living mammals, including Canidae.

Comparison of hepatic and nephric total mercury concentrations between feral and ranch American mink (Neovison vison) from northwestern Poland.

For many years the American mink (Neovison vison) has been used in North America (where it originates from) as a sensitive indirect bioindicator in assessing the degree of mercury (Hg) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The aim of this paper was the determination of total concentrations of Hg in the liver and kidneys of feral and ranch mink from the Warta Mouth National Park (WMNP) and from farms located in northwestern Poland, for comparison with similar data on American mink from North America. In road-killed feral mink from the WMNP, the mean concentrations were 11.8 and 14.1 mg/kg dry weight in the liver and kidney, respectively. Mean Hg concentrations in feral mink were from 240 to 90 times higher in these two respective tissues than in ranch mink. The feral mink from northwestern Poland had concentrations of hepatic and nephric Hg similar to the highest concentrations that have been recorded over the past several decades in wild American mink from certain areas of Canada and the USA.

Concentrations of trace elements in bones of the hip joint from patients after hip replacement surgery.

The aim of this research was to determine the concentrations of two essential elements (copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) and three toxic elements (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg)) in the hip joint bones of patients from the Chair and Clinic of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. We examined 111 samples of hip joint bones obtained from patients from north-western Poland who had undergone arthroplasty of the femoral head. In cartilage with the adjacent compact bone, and in spongy bone from the examined patients, the concentrations (medians) determined were placed in the following descending sequence Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd>Hg. The concentrations ranged from 86 mg Zn/kg to 0.0020 mg Hg/kg dw. It was found that the concentration of lead in the cartilage with adjacent compact bone was higher in men than in women. In conclusion, it seems that in addition to routine monitoring of the abiotic environment, it is essential to monitor concentrations of heavy metals having a long-term impact in humans.

Evaluation of dog bones in the indirect assessment of environmental contamination with trace elements.

The aim of this paper was to determine the level of five elements, two essential for life [zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)] and three distinctly toxic [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)], in four types of biological material in bones of the dog Canis lupus familiaris. The experiment was carried out on bones from the hip joints of dogs. The samples of cartilage, compact bone, spongy bone, and cartilage with adjacent compact bone came from 26 domestic dogs from northwestern Poland. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd were determined by ICP-AES (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in inductively coupled argon plasma, using a Perkin-Elmer Optima 2000 DV. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the examined bone material from the dog, the greatest concentrations (median) were observed for Zn and the lowest for Hg (98 mg Zn/kg and 0.0015 mg Hg/kg dw, respectively). In cartilage and spongy bone, metal concentrations could be arranged in the following descending order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg. In compact bone, the order was slightly different: Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Hg (from median 70 mg/kg dw to 0.002 mg/kg dw). The comparisons of metal concentrations between the examined bone materials showed distinct differences only in relation to Hg: between concentrations in spongy bone, compact bone, and in cartilage, being greater in cartilage than in compact bone, and lower again in spongy bone.

Body condition and mercury concentration in apparently healthy Goosander (Mergus merganser) wintering in the Odra estuary, Poland.

Goosanders (Mergus merganser, ad, adult n = 42: M, males 33 and F, females 9; im, immature n = 17: M 8, F 9) were collected in 2005 at wintering site in the River Odra estuary (Poland). The body size (BM, body mass; BL, body length; KL, keel length), weights of organs (LM, liver; KM, kidneys; EM, encephalon), and two condition-related indices (BM/BL and BM/KL) were determined. Based on BM/BL and BM/KL indices, the birds were divided into 3 condition groups: A (very good), B (good), and C (moderate). Total mercury (Hg) concentrations (mg kg(-1) dry weight) were determined in liver, kidney, brain, breast muscle, and bone of 17 birds (ad, n = 8: 8 M, 1 F; im, n = 9: 6 M, 3 F). The highest Hg concentrations (in n = 17) were recorded in liver and kidney (14.7 and 9.9 mg kg(-1), respectively); the concentrations found in muscle and brain were lower (2.3 and 1.3 mg kg(-1), respectively), the lowest concentrations being typical of bone (0.08 mg kg(-1)). Mercury concentrations in the same organs of immature and adult goosanders, as well as males and females, did not differ significantly. On the other hand, distinct differences in Hg concentrations in the organs studied (except for the liver) were observed between individuals assigned to Group A (n = 11) and C (n = 6). Mercury levels were higher in the birds characterised by very good condition, which was most probably related to those birds being more efficient hunters, consuming higher amounts of Hg-containing fish. Significant and negative correlations between the muscle Hg concentration and the two condition-related indices (r > -0.70) were recorded in Group A only: the higher the concentration, the lower the BM/LM and BM/KL values.