The use of white-tailed deer as biological monitors of heavy metals

The object of this study was to provide information on background levels of three heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virainianus). These metals occur naturally and are also associated with industrial, mining, and urban activity.

Male and female white-tailed deer of four herds native to Tennessee were used. Three of these herds were from East Tennessee, Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area, and the Energy Research and Development Administration's Oak Ridge Reservation. The other was located in West Tennessee, The Hobart Ames Plantation. One hundred animals were randomly sampled from each location. Trace metal analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using hair samples obtained from several locations on the animal's body. Several variables, age, geographic location, sex, weight, and their interactions were included in the analyses.

Of the four populations of white-tailed deer studied, trace metal analyses indicated levels of metals reflected a natural background exposure. This information is useful in determining the significance of heavy metal residues detected in hair samples of animals inhabiting polluted areas and in assessing the potential for subsequent human health effects.