engleski

Assessment of environmental pollution through accumulation of lead and cadmium in meconium samples

The bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium in humans has been examined through analysis of 151 meconium samples of new-born children in the Split-Dalmatian County. Lead and cadmium content is related to pollution from industrial facilities, road traffic sources and landfills in the examined area. Lead was found in 89.4 % and cadmium in 94.0 % of analysed samples, indicating a high prevalence of both metals in the environment. The content of each metal has been examined relative to the sociodemographic description and dietary habits of mothers. Statistical results have shown values about forty times higher for lead median concentration compared to cadmium ; living in urban residences, frequency of consumption of vegetables and fish, and smoking habits have shown the most significant impacts. Results have shown that cadmium is uniformly dispersed from pollution sources over a larger area and penetrates all parts of the environment.

lead ; cadmium ; bioaccumulation ; meconium

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