Almost 73% of all shoot samples exceeded the current quality criteria
for THg in feedstuff as proposed by the European Commission (2002)
and which is 0.11 mg Hg kg−1 d.w. (for feed with relative moisture
content of 12%). Such contaminated plant sampleswere collected either
at the “Vala de S. Filipe” or at its immediate vicinity. These plants are
commonly used as feed for local cattle.