[Modifications of the Portoscuso ecosystem. Distribution, accumulation,and dynamics of pollutants. I. Observations on animal tissues]. / Modificazioni dell'ecosistema a Portoscuso. Distribuzione, accumulo e dinamica degli inquinanti. I). Osservazioni sui parenchimi animali.

In order to assess the extent of environmental pollution by Pb, Cd and Zn in the industrial area of Portoscuso (Southwestern Sardinia-Italy), anatomohistopathological, histochemical and chemical tests were carried out on the heart, liver, kidneys and bones of sheep slaughtered in the local abattoir. On microscopic examination, degenerative lesions were severe in liver and kidneys and slight in the heart; histochemical stainings clearly showed a notable presence of Zn, while spectrophotometric examination confirmed, besides Zn pollution, very high tissue concentrations of Pb and Cd. The Authors conclude that other trial observations over larger areas are necessary.