Studies of Metals in Crocodilians by Spectrochemical Methods

Abstract: This review covers the results of metal determinations using various spectrochemical analytical techniques in crocodilians from various geographical regions. The most widely determined metal is mercury, both inorganic and organic. However, many other metals, including the known toxic metals of lead and cadmium, have been determined. In general, more elevated levels of metals have been determined in crocodilians from potentially contaminated as opposed to more pristine areas. Significant differences in concentrations for many metals have been demonstrated in captive versus wild alligators. The part of crocodilians most widely utilized for food, tail or tail meat, has attracted the most interest, but studies on kidney and liver as well as blood have been reported. Eggs and hatchings have also been examined for several metal concentrations.