Study of Cu, Zn and Cr accumulation in hair and liver tissues of the Persian Jird (Meriones persicus) in Darreh Zereshk, Yazd

Rodents are sensitive species to and proper monitors of heavy metals in the environment. The accumulation of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chrome (Cr) were measured by wet digestion method and using an ICP-OES instrument in hair and liver of Persian Jird (Meriones persicus) in Darreh Zereshk copper mine, Yazd without considering the effects of surrounded mines. Results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals in hair and liver were statistically different (PCu>Cr. Significant differences were observed between heavy metals concentrations of both tissues in males and females (P0.05), therefore regression equation cannot be established between them. Due to the lack of significant differences between hair and liver, hair cannot be easily applied as a proper bioindicator of measured heavy metals in the liver, and its application needs further research. Differences in the accumulation of heavy metals in liver and hair of different sexes of Persian Jird indicate that sex plays an important role in the accumulation of heavy metals in this species and must be noticed in forthcoming studies.