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H Docekalová

Publications and source records attributed to H Docekalová.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Mercury depth profiles in river and marine sediments measured by the diffusive gradients in thin films technique with two different specific resins.

The diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) was used to measure depth profiles of mercury in river and marine sediments in situ to a spatial resolution of 0.5 cm. Agarose gel was used as the diffusive gel in the DGT probes. Two different selective resins-Chelex 100 with iminodiacetic groups and Spheron-Thiol with thiol groups incorporated in the polyacrylamide resin gel-were tested. The different capture efficiencies of the two adsorbents enabled the fractions of mercury bound in different species in sediment pore water to be estimated. Mercury concentrations obtained by DGT with Spheron-Thiol resin were very similar to those obtained after centrifugation. This indicates that DGT with Spheron-Thiol resin reports on total dissolved mercury levels. The concentration of mercury measured by DGT with Chelex-100 resin was much lower (by a factor of 5-20) for the same sediment samples. Chelex-100 does not have such a high affinity to mercury as Spheron-Thiol, and so it only reports on the content of labile mercury species, such as inorganic ions and weak complexes. The content of labile mercury species in the river sediment was approximately 20% of the total dissolved mercury in pore water, whereas in marine sediment only 7% of the mercury was present as labile species.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1997

Effects of environmental pollutants on the porcine and bovine immune systems.

Immunological examinations were done in 30 fattening pigs from three swine farms (D., M., T.) and 20 dairy cows from one cattle farm (N.) in the district of Hodonín in 1994. At the same time, samples of stable dust deposits collected in the four farms were analysed for the contents of mercury, cadmium, lead, gamma-HCH (lindane), and total DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Decreased blood level of lysozyme (0.92 mg/l) was found in the swine herd D. Ten percent of the pigs in the herd were affected with purulent skin lesions. The concentrations of the pollutants under study in the dust deposits collected in the herd D. were low. An increased concentration of PCB (0.263 mg/kg) in stable dust but no adverse effects on the immune system were found in the swine herd M. Eosinophilia (6.2%), increased extensity of Ascaris suum infection (25%) and a high content of lead in stable dust (11.2 mg/kg) were typical of the swine herd T. A high content of lindane (0.139 mg/kg) and an extremely high content of lead (214 mg/kg), which can participate in the immunosuppression of lymphocytes, were found in the cattle herd N. The activity of lymphocytes was depressed in 35% of the cows and the mean value was at the lower limit of the physiological range. Hazardous pollutants can affect the immune system of farm animals and their penetration into the stable environment should be prevented.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Occurrence of harmful chemical elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in pig stalls].

The presence of harmful chemical elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in the stable environment for fattened pigs was compared in Hodonin district in the years 1984 and 1994. These data were recorded for the year 1994 in comparison with 1984: 1, mercury content in feed mixtures for pigs decreased 102 times (0.510 and/or 0.005 mg/kg), cadmium content 8 times (0.400 and/or 0.048 mg/kg) and lead content 6 times (2,680 and/or 0.420 mg/kg); 2. mercury content in stable dust deposition decreased 27 times (0.480 and/or 0.018 mg/kg) and cadmium content 6 times (1.370 and/or 0.248 mg/kg), but lead content slightly increased (5.980 and/or 8.569 mg/kg); 3. mercury content in the bristles dropped 20 times (0.440 and/or 0.022 mg/kg), cadmium content 5 times (0.080 and/or 0.015 mg/kg) and lead content 10 times (1.690 and/or 0.195 mg/kg). In addition, the presence of Hg, Cd and Pb in pig manure and road dust was investigated. Road dust exhibited an increased lead concentration (22.800 mg/kg), so it is not possible to exclude lead penetration from the stable surroundings to the internal environment of the stable. After application to arable land, pig manure can be a vector of some amounts of heavy metals (Hg 0.003; Cd 0.024; Pb 0.518 mg/kg dry matter). It is a positive result that there has been a significant decrease in mercury and cadmium contents in the stable environment for fattened pigs in the last decade. This fact reduces the health risk not only for pigs but also for their tenders.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1996

[Occurrence of harmful pollutants in fattened pigs].

Fourteen fattened pigs (age of 240-250 days, live weight 110-120 kg) were examined on three farms (D., M. and T.) in Hodonin district in 1994 for the content of some harmful pollutants (mercury, cadmium, lead, lindane, DDT sum, DDT isomers, lower and higher chlorinated biphenyls, PCB congeners) in the muscle, liver, kidneys and subcutaneous fat. Maximum allowable quantities (MAQ) of extraneous matters were slightly exceeded in mercury only, in 5 samples of the muscle (0.012-0.022 mg/kg). In comparison with the average contents of extraneous matters in pigs in the Czech Republic in 1994, higher concentrations of mercury (0.009 mg/kg), lead (0.124 mg/kg), lindane (0.060 mg/kg fat) and DDT sum (0.083 mg/kg) were observed in the muscle of pigs from Hodonín district. The liver of the pigs contained the highest average concentrations of lead (0.141 mg/kg), lindane (0.280 mg/kg fat), DDT sum (0.323 mg/kg fat), p,p'-DDE (0.106 mg/kg fat), p,p'-DDT (0.057 mg/kg fat). PCB-Delor 103 (0.415 mg/kg fat), PCB-Delor 106 (0.561 mg/kg fat) and PCB 118 congener (0.029 mg/kg fat). The highest average values of mercury (0.014 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.147 mg/kg) were determined in the kidneys of pigs. The ratio of lower-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103) to higher-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 106) was approximately 1 : 3 in the muscle, 1 : 1 in the liver and 1 : 2 in subcutaneous fat. The per cent share of three PCB congeners, 101, 138 and 153, was highest in the muscle, liver and subcutaneous fat of pigs. The pigs from Hodonín district exhibited in 1994 the greater load of mercury, lead, lindane and DDT than in other regions of the Czech Republic, but these values did not mostly exceed the hygienic limits in force. It is desirable to observe the spectrum of indicator PCB congeners for objective evaluation of PCB load in pigs, as they indicate the contamination level with lower- and higher-chlorinated biphenyls (Delor 103 to Delor 106). Greater attention should be paid to the congener PCB 118, which is the most toxic out of the indicator congeners concerned.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

[The effect of sodium huminate on cadmium deposition in the organs of chickens].

In the chickens with an experimental load of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 x 2.5 H2O) at a rate of 0.3 mg per bird and day the effect was investigated of various forms of sodium humate administration in free and/or liposomal form as exerted on cadmium concentrations in liver, kidneys and muscle. The values of the field below the curve (AUC) showing average cadmium concentrations in the investigated tissues of chickens (liver, kidneys, muscle) in the given time interval of 1-14 days were higher in all cases in the tissues of chickens which received cadmium, that means in the groups K2, P1, P2, P3 and P4 in comparison with the negative control (K1). Statistical significance of differences was demonstrated in liver and kidneys. No statistically significant changes were observed in the muscle. Simultaneous administration of cadmium and HuNa (P1), and also other methods of HuNa administration (P2, P3, P4) reduced cadmium concentrations in liver, kidneys and muscle statistically significantly only in P1 group in liver and kidneys. Cadmium concentrations on days 1, 3, 8 and 14 after termination of experimental treatments were lowest in the liver of the 1st control group (negative control), which received HuNa only (Tab. I). Five-day administration of 0.3 mg cadmium (positive control) influenced its values statistically highly significantly in the liver of all experimental groups in all the investigated time intervals (Tab. I). The first experimental group, which received cadmium simultaneously with HuNa had the statistically significantly lower values on days 3, 8 and 14 in comparison with the positive control. Simultaneous administration of cadmium and HuNa reduces cadmium availability and so its absorption and deposition in liver are lower. Cadmium concentrations on days 1, 3, 8 and 14 after termination of experimental treatments were lowest in the kidneys of chickens of the 1st control group (negative control), which received HuNa only (Tab. II). Five-day cadmium administration (positive control) influenced its values in the kidneys of all experimental groups highly statistically significantly in all the investigated time intervals (Tab. II). The first experimental group which received cadmium simultaneously with HuNa had the statistically significantly lower values on days 3, 8 and 14 in comparison with the positive control. Simultaneous administration of cadmium and HuNa reduced cadmium availability and so its absorption and deposition in liver are lower. Cadmium concentrations in the muscle on days 1, 3, 8 and 14 after termination of experimental treatments were lowest in the 1st control group (negative control), which received HuNa only (Tab. III).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Experimental chronic phenylmercuric chloride poisoning in pigs].

Four gilts, sisters from one litter, aged 70 days and weighing 20-24 kg, were used for a trial. Two experimental gilts (P) were administered an experimental feed mixture containing phenylmercury chloride (40 mg/kg). Two control gilts (K) were fed the same mixture but without phenylmercury chloride. P gilts began to lag behind in their growth from day 60 of the experiment, they manifested nonphysiological postures (dog's sitting posture), paresis of hind limbs and uncoordinated movements. P gilts had cloudy, orange-brown urine from day 70 and from day 75 they began to suffer from diarrhoea. Mercury (Hg) contents in urine and blood serum of P gilts were irregularly variable: urine 0.58-2.15 mg/l, blood serum 0.02-0.37 mg/l. Hg content in excrements of P gilts fluctuated from 23 to 26 mg/kg. Vitamin A concentrations in blood serum and liver decreased in P gilts. Phenylmercury chloride feeding caused mutagenic changes in peripheral lymphocytes of P gilts (an increase in the number of aberrant cells from 2-3% to 8-9%) and reduced IgA, IgM and IgG immunoglobulin levels in blood serum. Pathological lesions were observed in the colon, kidneys and liver. None of the above-mentioned changes were observed in K gilts. Increased resistance to the negative effects of Hg was found in one experimental gilt. In comparison with K gilts, Hg concentrations in P gilts after 130 days of the experiment increased as follows: 427 times in kidneys, 333 times in liver, 106 times in guts, 71 times in pancreas, 53 times in ovaries, 50 times in muscles, 47 times in bristles and 16 times in the brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Ecotoxicologic relations on a large pig-fattening farm located in a lignite mining area and near and solid-fuel electical power plant].

Major contaminants identified in 1983-1984 on a pig fattening farm with an output of 60,000 pigs per annum, located in a lignite mining area and near a solid fuel power plant, were mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium and aflatoxin B1 (Tab. I, II, III, IV). Feed samples were collected from througs to assess the contamination load at feed uptake. Permissible concentrations of mercury, chromium, cadmium, aflatoxin B1, lead and atrazin in the feed were exceeded in 56, 50, 31, 19, 6 and 6% samples, respectively (Tab. I). Stable dust deposits, in which the contaminants concentrate, (Tab. I) proved to be a suitable material for assessing the type and level of environmental contamination. Permissible concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in porcine muscles were exceeded in 65, 51 and 24% samples, respectively (Tab. III). Corresponding values of mercury, cadmium, lead and aflatoxin B1 in the liver were 27, 27, 16 and 3%, respectively (Tab. III) and those of mercury, lead and chromium in kidneys 24, 22 and 5%, respectively (Tab. III). Rather surprisingly, elevated pancreatic concentrations of aflatoxin B1 were found (Tab. IV). Pigs fattened in the contaminated environment (i.e. fed contaminated feed mixtures, inspiring contaminated dust and absorbing percutaneously contaminants form dust deposits on the body surface) showed: 1) Impairment of the genetic apparatus (percentage of aberrant peripheral leucocytes elevated to 6.2%); 2) a certain degree of immunosuppression (concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA reduced by 16.9, 45.1 and 45.0%, respectively); 3) higher feed consumption per 1 kg weight gain (4 kg) and lower average daily weight gain (0.57 kg); 4) increased incidence of health disorders (dermatitis in 25%, pancreatopathy in 13%, liver dystrophy in 8% and femoral fracture in 6% of the pigs). Unfortunately, the authors were not allowed to analyse ash and solid emissions from the power plant. Therefore the share of the emissions in the overall environmental contamination on the fattening farm could not be quantified. The personnel, working in the contaminated environment for a prolonged period, is endangered most of all by stable dust, being exposed to its mechanical, chemical, allergic and infectious effects (Tab. I). In addition to the chemical contaminants, 21 mould genera and species, six mite species and numerous saprophytic and some pathogenic bacteria were demonstrated in stable dust samples in our earlier experiments. Consumption of meat and organs from pigs fattened in a contaminated environment is associated with the risk of an increased uptake of various contaminants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1990

[The effect of dry standing time in cows with the obesity syndrome on selected indicators of metabolism and the state of their calves].

Differences in the composition of the blood (plasma) and urine of cows were evaluated in groups (n = 8) with a normal time of dry standing (50-60 days) and in cows standing dry for 80 to 124 days. Two approaches were used: repeated examination of the same animals two to three weeks before parturition and six to eight weeks after parturition, and single examination of the cows being in the same stage of reproduction cycle. A number of changes were recorded, testifying to a reduction of the function of the adrenal glands and to a decrease in the activity of the liver in the cows left to stand dry for a longer time. The calves of these cows had changes in their blood (plasma), indicating a hypofunction of the adrenal glands and a reduced phagocytic activity of the leucocytes, one of the parameters of the immunity system.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Monitoring chromosome mutations in large-scale breeding operations].

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations and exchanges of sister chromatids (SCEs) in peripheral lymphocytes was studied in 65 pigs from five large breeding herds. Four groups comprised fattened pigs and the fifth group consisted of sows from a large multiplier breeding herd. During the investigation, the dust from the sites was analyzed for the presence of zinc, lead, cadmium, mercury, aflatoxin B1, PCB, DDT, and lindane. The average frequency of aberrant cells (AB.B) in the pigs of group I was 3.85 +/- 1.60%, in group II 2.10 +/- 1.52%, in group III 5.01 +/- 2.1%, in group IV 3.50 +/- 1.58%, and in group V 6.20 +/- 3.21%. The cytogenetic finding corresponded to the differences in the amount of foreign substances found in the dust on the premises where the animals of all groups were kept. The average frequency of the SCEs was 7.00 +/- 1.10 (I), 6.51 +/- 0.89 (II), 6.92 +/- 0.72 (III), 7.10 +/- 0.85 (IV) and 7.06 +/- 1.47 (V) per one cell. Statistically significant differences in the numbers of AB.B. were recorded between groups II and I, II and IV, I and III, IV and V (p less than 0.05) and between groups II and III, II and V (p less than 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of SCEs. The determination of the frequency of chromosomal aberrations can be used for the hygienic control of the degree of exposure of pigs to mutagens.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Foreign substances in the meat and organs of bulls and pigs fed with pastes made from household and food industry waste in addition to pastes made from poultry droppings].

The residues of antimicrobial substances, some chlorinated and organophosphate pesticides and chemical elements were studied in the meat and organs of a group of bulls fed food-waste paste for 240 days and a group of bulls fed the same paste with an addition of poultry waste. These residues were also studied in the tissues of pigs fed the food-waste paste for 135 and 151 days until slaughter. The feed ingredients were also examined during the feeding trials. Although some of the residues under study were found in the tissues of the test animals at increased amounts, their concentrations were diluted in the tissues in the majority of cases when the feed pastes were administered. All residue contents recorded in the tissues remained below the permissible limits as given in valid instructions and directives so that the products, i. e. meat and organs, could be deemed digestible on the basis of hygienic evaluation. Hence, from the point of view of the occurrence of residues of foreign substances in edible tissues, the administration of food-waste pastes to farm animals can be considered as admissible.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1983

[Incidence of foreign substances in raw and pasteurized milk].

In 1980 to 1982, the occurrence of inhibiting substances, herbicides and chemical elements contaminating raw farm and bulk milk and pasteurized milk in different stages of technological processing was studied in the input regions of 19 dairies of the Lacrum Brno concern corporation. Residues of inhibiting substances were demonstrated by the thin-layer microbiological diffusion disk method using the testing strain of B. stearothermophilus var. calidolactis, to be present in raw milk (9.1% out of 143 samples) as well as in pasteurized milk (2.0% out of 151 samples). Chromatographic method (sensitivity 0.01-0.05 mg.kg-1 milk) was used for examining 135 raw milk samples for the occurrence of herbicides based on diazines and triazines. Herbicides were demonstrated to get into milk; residues were found in 45 samples (33.3%). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for examining 143 raw milk samples for the contents of zinc, copper, iron and manganese. As to zinc content, 100% of the samples met the standard, as to iron content 99%, and as to the content of copper, 89% (Ministry of Health Directives, No. 50, 1978). The content of manganese remained within the range up to 0.1 mg.kg-1 milk in 60% of the samples. Out of the 135 milk samples (101 raw, 34 pasteurized milk ones) examined for the content of lead, four samples (3%) failed to meet the limit of the highest admissible level.

Animals↗