Mn concentration in organs of rats after implantation of battery cathode material

The distribution of Mn, originating from MnO2 in miniaturized batteries, was studied in rats. Forty young male Wistar rats were included in a randomized block experiment with body weight, weight gain, relative organ weight, and the concentration of Mn as dependent variables. Mn containing cathode material was implanted subcutaneously and after 1 month, animals were sacrificed and organs collected. Mn levels were determined by ICPES after destruction of the organic matter using microwave energy. Body weight, weight gain, and relative weight of heart, brain, liver, and kidneys were not significantly altered after implantation of cathode material. However, Mn levels were largely increased in the four organs under study. These high levels did not provoke any of the well-known clinical signs associated with Mn intoxication. Effects of Mn in larger farm animals can be considered as insignificant.