ANALYSIS OF TISSUE CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN NEW ENGLAND MOOSE

Authors

  • Kent A. Gustafson
  • Kristine M. Bontaites
  • Andrew Major

Abstract

Potentially high cadmium (Cd) levels in moose have raised concern over potential impacts to moose biology and human  health risks. Moose liver and/or kidney samples were collected from New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, and tested for Cd levels. New Hampshire samples were collected in 1988, 1989, 1993, and 1998 while those from Maine and Vermont were collected in 1993.  There were significant differences in liver Cd levels between sexes and among age categories. Bulls had higher mean levels than cows and there were significant increases in Cd levels with age. Kidney Cd concentrations were approximately 5 times higher than those in liver and regression analysis indicated a significant relationship. Mean liver Cd levels in adult (age 4.5+) bulls from New Hampshire increased significantly from 1988 to 1998 (3.78 vs. 6.17 ppl respectively). No significant difference was found in mean liver Cd levels among states.

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Published

2000-01-01

How to Cite

Gustafson, K. A., Bontaites, K. M., & Major, A. (2000). ANALYSIS OF TISSUE CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN NEW ENGLAND MOOSE. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 36, 35–40. Retrieved from https://www.alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/619