Infesting rodents as indicators of trace metals pollution in urban areas

Wild rodents (mus domesticus) were collected in the center of Rome (Italy) in three differently contaminated areas. The concentration of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) in liver, kidney and bone and mutagenicity tests (micronucleus test and sperm abnormality assay) were performed. Results obtained show lead and cadmium levels significantly higher and an increase of the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes and abnormal sperm cells in mice from the areas with much traffic density. Moreover the content of lead is significantly higher in adult than in young mice. The importance of the wild rodents as bioindicators of environmental pollution is suggested