Microtus guentheri (Danford & Alston) (Rodentia, Mammalia): a bioindicator species for estimation of the influence of polymetal dust emissions

Chemical pollution of ecosystems resulting from human activity is an ecological factor in the living world, affecting individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems as a whole. This laboratory investigation studied the toxic effects of polymetal ferosilicic dust on Microtus guentheri (Rodentia, Mammalia), measuring pathological changes in blood components (haemoglobin, erythrocyte, leucocyte and platelets number, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white cell count). Biochemical indices were established for levels of the following blood components : blood sugar, albumin, uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The results obtained indicate that Microtus guentheri can be used as a species for evaluation of the influence of polymetal dust emission.