Influence of season and diet on liver and kidney content of essential elements and heavy metals in Svalbard reindeer.

Samples of liver (n = 78) and kidney (n = 60) from Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus Vrolik) collected at four different seasons in Svalbard were analysed for their content of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se. The study shows that when animals are exposed to large seasonal variations in both the quality and quantity of food, it is crucial to relate element concentrations to the physiological condition of the animal, e.g., to look at seasonal fluctuations in the total element content of the different organs.