Blood lead concentrations in hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Kruger National Park

Venous whole-blood samples for the determination of lead concentrations were obtained from hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) (n = 26) during a population control programme on the banks of the Sabie River. A mean blood lead concentration of 26.3 micrograms l-1 was lower than the mean concentration of 34.0 micrograms l-1 cited for a group of young people living in a remote area where lead pollution was considered to be negligible. These concentrations indicate that lead pollution in this area of the Kruger National Park is at present low.