Metal levels in tissues of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from Hungary: variation with sex, age, condition and location.

Liver samples of Eurasian otters from various parts of Hungary were analysed for mercury, copper, zinc, lead and cadmium. Only zinc concentration was significantly higher in females. Higher mercury and cadmium concentrations in adults and higher zinc values in immature otters were measured. Accumulation of mercury, copper and zinc in tissues increased with the declining condition of animals. Mercury and copper were detected with higher values in samples from large rivers.