Contents of copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and zinc in hair and skin of farm foxes

The content of trace elements (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in hair and skin of silver fox (Vulpes vulpes) and arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) were determined. The content of elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Samples of animal hair and skin were collected from two farms located in mid-western Poland: farm A, situated in a rural area and farm B, situated in a typically urbanized and industrial region. The influence of farm location on the concentration of Cr, Cu, and Zn in fur coat, and Cr and Ni in skin was observed.