Assessment of heavy metal toxicity potential in the meat of randomly selected cows and goats slaughtered in Ado Ekiti abattoirs, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/Keywords:
Heavy metals, bioaccumulation, toxicity, pollution, public healthAbstract
Meat is a premier protein source that enhances human health and well-being by facilitating tissue repair, growth, and antibody synthesis. However, heavy metal contamination in animal tissues and organs is a growing concern due to its potential health risks through bioaccumulation in the food chain. This study investigated the concentration of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in blood and selected organs (liver, kidney, heart, and intestine) of bovine and caprine species from the Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, abattoir. Samples were collected, prepared, and digested using standard protocols, while an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was employed to determine the metal concentrations as an index of potential toxicity. The findings revealed varying levels of heavy metals across all samples, with the kidney and intestine showing higher concentrations of heavy metal contaminants, followed by the liver and heart. Consistently, Zn was found in higher concentrations, while Cd, Pb, and Cr exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limits in most samples. Comparatively, results indicated higher metal concentrations in goats than cows, possibly due to differences in feeding habits and environmental exposure. Blood samples also reflected recent exposure, with metal levels slightly above acceptable limits. The research highlighted the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated animal products and called for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in livestock to safeguard public health.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Abiodun Oluwatosin Adeoye, Naziru Imam , Rukayat Oluwatobiloba Quadri, Professor Olayide Samuel Lawal
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