Small Mammal Populations and Community Under Conditions of Extremely High Thallium Contamination in the Environment
September 1998
in “
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
”
TLDR High thallium contamination severely harms small mammal populations, causing health issues and low population density.
The study conducted near a zinc smelter in southern Poland revealed extremely high thallium (Tl) contamination in the environment, significantly affecting small mammal populations. A total of 106 mammals were captured, showing high Tl levels in their livers and kidneys, particularly in bank voles. Hair loss, a symptom of thallium poisoning, was observed, with one wood mouse nearly hairless. Population densities were low, with altered species proportions and a skewed age structure, lacking young generations. Only sexually inactive males were found, indicating poor population health compared to other areas near zinc smelters.
