In autumn of 2007, McLean and colleagues analyzed samples of soil and hair from the native brown antechinus and two species of introduced rat in 23 separate sites at different distances from the former smelter. They washed the animals' hair before testing it to ensure they were only picking up lead that had accumulated in the animal's bodies. The researchers found the higher the level of soil contamination at a given site, the greater the amount of lead and cadmium were present in the animals' hair. Evidence from previous studies suggests that the levels present in the animals could interfere with their breeding, says McLean. He says most studies of heavy metals in animals to date have involved killing the animals, but sampling hair provides a non-invasive method of testing them. Interestingly, he says, despite differing diets, all three animals showed the same pattern of heavy metal accumulation in their hair. McLean says the presence of heavy metals in these animals indicates other animals in urban areas -- from brush-tailed possums or rainbow lorikeets -- could also be contaminated. Related Links: |
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