Analysis of Sodium and Potassium Content in Selected Tissues of Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) Depending on the Hunting District and the Sex of the Birds

Changes in the habitat of wild mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) and thus in their diet can result in significant differences in the content of sodium and potassium in their tissues and organs. There is little data in the available literature regarding the qualitative analysis of mallard meat and organs. The aim of the study was to determine the sodium and potassium content in biological material (breast muscle, leg muscles, and liver) from wild mallards and the effect of sex and place of origin (hunting district) on these parameters. Sodium and potassium in the biological material were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The sodium and potassium levels in the tissues were shown to be influenced by the sex of the mallards and the site where they were harvested. Sodium content was significantly higher in the liver of male mallards than in females. In most cases, the tissues and organs of mallards harvested in the Siedlce hunting district had higher levels of sodium and potassium, apart from potassium content in the breast muscle. This may indicate greater abundance of these elements in this district.