Metal Accumulation, Blood δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity and Micronucleated Erythrocytes of Feral pigeons (Columba Livia) Living Near Former Lead-Zinc Smelter "Trepça" - Kosovo

Abstract

The concentration of lead in blood and tibia (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cupper (Cu) in tibia, blood δ- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D; EC: 4.2.1.24) activity, hematocrit value (Hct) and micronuclei frequency (MN) of peripheral erythrocytes have been determinated in three different populations of feral pigeons (Columba livia; forma urbana and forma domestica), collected in Mitrovica town (situated close to smelter "Trepça", down closed in 2000 year) and in rural area (Koshare willage). The blood lead level in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma urbana) was 3 times higher (149.6; 50.5 μg%) in comparison with that in feral pigeons from Mitrovica (forma domestica) and 27.7 times higher (5.4 μg% in comparison with pigeons from rural area. The Pb concentration of tibia of feral pigeons (froma urbana and forma domestica), from Mitrovica town was significantly higher (P<0.001) in comparison with control. The concentration of Zn in tibia of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana), was significantly higher (P<0.006) in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons from Mitrovica town (forma urbana and froma domestica), was significantly inhibited in comparison with control. The blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons-forma urbana from Mitrovica town was significantly inhibited (P<0.001) in comparison with the blood ALA-D activity of feral pigeons-forma domestica from Mitrovica town. The erythrocyte MN frequency of feral pigeons from Mitrovica was significantly higher (P <0.001) in comparison with controls. The smelter "Trepça" ten year after closed down pose a threat to the local environment, biota and people's health.