Lead, chromium and cadmium concentrations and their relationship to tissue morphological alterations in pigeons (Columba livia) from the valley of Mexico City and Ixtlahuaca in the State of Mexico

Ramón A Delgado González; Teresa l Fortoul van der Goes; René Rosiles Martínez

1994, Number 2

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Vet Mex 1994; 25 (2)

**Lead, chromium and cadmium concentrations and their relationship to tissue morphological alterations in pigeons (Columba livia) from the valley of Mexico City and Ixtlahuaca in the State of Mexico**

Delgado GRA, Fortoul GTI, Rosiles MR

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Language: English/Spanish
References: 34
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ABSTRACT

Fifty pigeons (Columba livia), divided in 5 groups of ten pigeons each, were captured from 5 sites of Mexico City and ten pigeons from Ixtlahuaca. These birds were sampled to measure lead, chromium and cadmium. Concentration of these elements were correlated to morphological alterations in the brain, lung, liver and kidneys. Metal highest concentration was found in: the Merced, leadin kidneys, 11.3 ppm; Tlalnepantla: Chromium in kidneys, 6.07 ppm; and in the Pedregal: Cadmium in kidneys, 6.86 ppm. Pigeons sampled from Ixtlahuaca had always the lowest concentration and were as follows: Lead in liver, 2.2; cadmium in liver, 0.9; and chromium in brain, 1.54. Overall mean lead tissue concentration was: In kidneys, 5.32; in the brain, 5.15; in the liver, 3.19 and in the lung, 3.64 ppm. Cadmium mean concentration was: In kidneys, 5.32, in the liver, 1.04; in the brain, 0.86 and in the lung, 0.58 ppm. Chromium mean concentrations were: In kidneys, 4.34; in the brain, 3.79; in the lung, 2.65 and in the liver, 1.77 ppm. Histological findings were: Multifocal leukocyte infiltration in the lung, liver and kidneys as well as hemosiderinae in the lung. Bone metaplasia was present in the lung in just one sample. Heavy metals in pigeon tissue living in the valley of Mexico City were higher than those living outside the valley. This finding proves the risk of higher exposure to metals in the valley of Mexico City.

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