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(42-13) Do contaminants in river floodplains pose a threat to species that forage in these areas ? The case of the badger. Klok, Chris*,1, Boudewijn, Theo2, De Jonge, Jolande3, 1 Alterra, Wageningen, Netherlands2 Bureau Waardenburg, Culemborg, Netherlands3 RIZA, Lelystad, Netherlands ABSTRACT- The floodplains of the river Meuse have been contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals and organic compounds. Risk assessment models indicate that especially cadmium and PCBs, which accumulate in food chains, can have detrimental effects on mammals and birds that forage on earthworms. However, field studies confirming the results of the models are scarce. In the autumn of 2001 a field study on the badger started at 5 sites in the floodplains of the river Muese. This first stage of the study was directed at if badgers that forage at these sites are indeed exposed. Site selection was based on heavy metal contents of badger faeces collected in latrines. Two relatively unpolluted and three contaminated sites were selected. At these sites soil- earthworm and faeces samples were collected and analysed for heavy metal, PCBs and PAK contents. The composition of the faecal samples was assessed, such that contaminant levels can be compared to levels in earthworms which usually make up the largest quantity of the food. The results will demonstrate if and to what extent badgers are exposed with contaminants at the locations. In 2002 we intend to start an effect study, directed at reproduction and survival in individual badgers in relation to differences in exposure. Key words: contaminants, floodplains, earthworm, badger |
