Evidence of small ferrimagnetic concentrations in mice (Mus musculus) livers and kidneys exposed to the urban dust: A reconnaissance study

Abstract

Previous investigations carried out on Mexico City urban dust and soils revealed relatively high concentration of heavy metals due to the atmospheric pollution. Detailed magnetic analyzes demonstrated that the dust samples contain neo-formed magnetite phase coming from the vehicles combustion. Here, we report the results of magnetic measurements carried out on Mus musculus livers and kidneys in order to evaluate whether the magnetic particles may penetrate and accumulate in these organs. The systematic measurements of the magnetic susceptibility and isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition curves attest the existence of small concentrations of low/medium coercivity ferrimagnetic grains (most probably magnetite). This study confirms that fine magnetic minerals can penetrate and reach livers and kidneys of mice in relatively small concentrations.