ArticlePDF Available

Heavy Metals Analysis of Local and Exotic Poultry Meat.

Authors:
Okoye C.O.B. at University of Nigeria
Okoye C.O.B.
Aneke A.U.
Aneke A.U.
Aneke A.U.
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Cynthia Nkolika Ibeto at University of Nigeria
Cynthia Nkolika Ibeto
Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha at University of Nigeria
Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Download full-text PDFDownload full-text PDFDownload full-text PDF
Read full-text
Download citation

Abstract and Figures

Owing to the pollution status of the environment by heavy metals especially through fossil fuels combustion, this study was carried out to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in chicken parts and also the feeds they consume. Chickens are one of the main sources of protein for the south east population and heavy metals may enter the dairy production system in a variety of ways. These include atmospheric deposition (possible by burning of fossil fuels), land application of inorganic fertilizers, biosolids, agrochemicals, and animal manures. These heavy metals have several toxic effects on the body. However the essential elements such as zinc and copper are beneficial to health at proper concentration. Exotic and local chickens namely layers, cockerels, broilers and local and some feeds were obtained from the main market in Nsukka and Enugu towns. After which the liver, gizzards and muscles were removed from the chickens. The samples of the liver, gizzards, muscles and also the feed were prepared by wet digestion for heavy metals analysis by Atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations in ug/g of the heavy metals were in the range of 1.78 to 15.32, 9.7 to 147.07, 15.82-47.79 and 0.03 to 2.29 cadmium, lead, copper and zinc respectively. The high concentrations of the toxic metals obtained show a certain level of pollution of the environment. Efforts should be made in minimizing fossil fuels combustion and the use of alternative renewable energy such as biodiesel and bioethanol production and utilization should be promoted.
Figures - uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Content may be subject to copyright.
Chicken me
at.pdf
Content uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha on Jun 19, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
Chicken me
at.pdf
Content uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha on Jun 19, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
Chicken me
at.pdf
Content uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Janefrances Ngozi Ihedioha on Jun 19, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
... Cd concentration results agree with studies done by Oforka et al. (2012), Nigeria; Cd means in chicken liver and muscles were 0.0457 and 0.0162 µg/g, respectively; Abbas (2017), Cd means (µg/g) in broiler chickens were 0.075, 0.056, and 0.054 in liver, thigh, and breast, respectively; and Reda et al. (2021), Ismailia province, Egypt. Results were lower than the study conducted by Okoye et al. (2011), Enugu State; Cd concentrations were 5.57 and 10.30 µg/g in chicken liver and muscles, respectively; Badis et al. (2014), Cd concentations were 1.39 and 1.49 µg/g in North and South areas of Algeria, respectively; Mahmoud and Abdel-Mohsein (2015), Cd concentations were 1.41, 0.24 µg/g in liver samples and 0.88 and 2.44 µg/g in muscles samples of broiler farms from Assiut and Qena, respectively, and Mottalib et al. (2018), Bangladesh; Cd concentrations mean were 0.243 and 1.092 µg/g in broiler breast and liver, respectively, and higher than the study done by Wang et al. (2020), Jilin Province, China; broiler Cd concentration was 0.003 µg/g. ...
... Pb residues were significantly higher in chest muscles than thigh muscles and liver (Table 1). Results were in agreement with the study conducted by Mahmoud and Abdel-Mohsein (2015); the Pb mean was 2.75 µg/g in broiler farms and lower than the study done by Okoye et al. (2011), Nigeria; Pb concentrations were 26.29 and 45.05 µg/g in the liver and muscles of different chicken types, respectively; and Badis et al. (2014), Algeria; Pb concentrations were 8.80 and 8.18 µg/g in the North and South areas, respectively. Results in the current study showed that poultry muscle Pb concentration was higher than the liver level, which agrees with the study done by Mahmoud and Abdel-Mohsein (2015) but disagrees with studies conducted by Oforka et al. (2012) and Reda et al. (2021), who showed that internal organs of poultry accumulated more Pb than muscles. ...
... in the liver of six brands in the study (Table 2). This study's results were compared with those reported by Okoye et al. (2011), whose Cu mean was 26.29 and 45.05 µg/g in different chicken liver and muscles, respectively; Alturiqi and Albedair (2012)'s Cu range was (2.31-7.79 µg/g). ...
Health risk assessment of metals in chicken meat and liver in Egypt
Article
Full-text available
This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), barium (Ba), bismuth (Bi), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in 360 samples of poultry meat and liver from six brands (A, B, C, D, E, and F) in Assiut, Egypt; compare these concentrations with Egyptian and world permissible limits; and determine their safety for human consumption according to health risk assessment. Chest, thigh muscles, and liver were collected randomly from Assiut city markets, and the concentration of heavy metals was measured in the central laboratory of the faculty of agriculture at Assiut University using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). All the analyzed samples were positive for the tested metals and were far below the allowed maximum permissible limits except for Pb and Fe, which exceeded the Egyptian Organization for Standardization (EOS) permissible limits with 33% and 67%, respectively, as well as Pb and Cd, which exceeded FAO/WHO permissible limits with 94% and 17%, respectively. Health risk assessment revealed the safety and minimum health risk for human consumption of metal residues in poultry tissues and liver using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). Even though the THQ and HI values were significantly lower than 1.0 during our study, heavy metal monitoring in poultry products and byproducts is required for human security and safety.
View
... These metals are essential to the maintenance of different physiological and biochemical functions in living organisms in small amounts; however, they become harmful when they exceed specific standards, and it is acknowledged that heavy metals can cause cell malfunction and, ultimately, toxicity [29,59]. Sources of contamination by heavy metals are different from one element to another [60][61][62][63][64], and mainly depends on the type of soil, environment risks broadens, animal species and product feeds, and geographic area [65][66][67][68][69]. ...
... Most of the heavy metals were recorded in diet samples used in this study except for Al, but the levels were found to be less than the toxic limit [22], showing the high quality of feeds and that there are few hazards of heavy metals toxicity. Compared with the results reported by Okoye et al. [62], the concentrations of heavy metals recorded herein were less than those for Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Cu and were 0.12-0.293, 0.068-0.167, ...
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Content in Feed, Litter, Meat, Meat Products, Liver, and Table Eggs of Chickens
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2020
We assessed the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni in chicken meat and meat products, feed, and litter, as well as laying hens’ eggs, feed and litter to monitor the quality of products on the market and their safety for human consumption as judged by recommended daily allowance (RDA) and tolerable upper levels. Samples were chosen as the most popular poultry products in Saudi Arabia. A total of 45 broiler samples of frozen or fresh meat, liver, burger, or frankfurter were chosen from the same brand. Additionally, 60 table eggs from four commercial brands were collected, and the edible parts of these were used to determine levels of minerals and toxic elements. Furthermore, 30 feed and litter samples were collected from the starter, grower, and layer diets of broilers and laying hens. The results indicated that there were significant levels of most of the trace elements and heavy metals in the different meat sources. Furthermore, the liver contained the highest levels of elements, except for Cr, Co, and Ni. The highest Cr level was detected in the fresh meat, followed by frozen meat. Trace elements (Mn and Co) and heavy metals (Ni and Pb) were not detected in either the frozen or the fresh meat. The chicken burger and the frankfurter exhibited similar trace-element and heavy-metal contents, except for Zn and Mn, as the frankfurter showed higher concentrations than the burger. Differences in most of the trace and toxic elements among the different sources of eggs were not found to be significant, except for Zn. Differences between the broiler meat and table eggs were only substantial for Fe and Zn. Fe was significantly higher in meat than in eggs, and the opposite trend was found for Zn. The liver contained higher heavy metals than the eggs, except for Cr. In addition, the burger had higher concentrations of essential (Cu and Co) and heavy metals (Pb and Ni) than the eggs but had lower levels of Zn and Cr. The frankfurter exhibited significantly higher levels of Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Pb, and Ni than the eggs but lower levels of Zn and Cr. To summarize, Cd, Pb, As, and Se were not detected in the broiler meat or eggs, indicating no risks from these toxic elements. Conversely, the liver exhibited the highest content of heavy metals, except for Cr, indicating that the intake of Pb and Cd was above the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults. The meat products exhibited higher Pb, Cd, and Ni levels than the broiler meat and the table eggs, suggesting that they posed a health threat to humans, and the intake of Pb in the meat products was higher than the RDA. Thus, chicken meat and table eggs, which are primary protein sources, are safe sources of human nutrition, while liver and meat products may present potential health hazards through the food chain.
View
... Sources of contamination by this element result from human activities; car and generator exhaust; and human activities in large factories, which cause high air pollution with Pb. In addition, bad fertilizers reach crops, animals, and human tissues as mentioned [15]. The presence of these metals can create worries due to accumulative effects on the consumers' organs and can lead to metal toxicity as referred to by [16]. ...
Estimation of heavy metals in fresh camel meat in Samawah city as a human food hygiene
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2022
Background: Meat is considered a good source of animal vitamins, minerals, and proteins in some parts of the world, such as the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the Middle East. Measuring metal concentrations in camel meat is therefore essential for preventing food safety threats, which in turn protect consumers. Camel meat can be contaminated with heavy metals that may pose problems for human health and food safety. Methods: In this study, a determination of the concentrations of heavy or toxic metals that may be harmful to human health was made in camel meat obtained from different sources and butcher shops over a period of time in Samawah city. A total of 100 samples from different locations in Samawah city were collected for measurement each week using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: This was a positive sign for ensuring human health since camel meat was not polluted in any of the tested samples.
View
... mg/kg. All the values in the studied samples were below the permissible limit (150 mg/kg) set by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) (Okoye et al., 2011a). The mean concentration of Zn in different studied poultry samples was far lower than the maximum acceptable concentration of Zn indicating the safe consumption of the poultry items considering the level of Zn. ...
Asian-Australasian Journal of Bioscience and Biotechnology Assessment of toxic heavy metals and trace elements in poultry feeds, consumer chickens and eggs in Bangladesh
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2022
Considering the potential health hazardous effects, the distribution and deposition of heavy metals and trace elements including Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb in different tissues (skin, brain, liver, meat, and bone) of broiler and layer chickens, their feeds, litter, and eggs were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after nitric/perchloric acid digestion. The samples for this study were taken from four poultry industries located at Sreepur upazila of Gazipur district of Bangladesh. The observed levels of heavy metals and trace element contents in different studied samples were to be in the range of 0.143±0.001 to 7.324±0.004 mg/kg for Mn, below the detection limit (BDL) to 324.43±0.003 mg/kg for Fe, 0.451±0.002 to 4.329±0.005 mg/kg for Cu, 0.014±0.001 to 7.413±0.003 mg/kg for Zn, 0.082±0.002 to 7.806±0.002 mg/kg for Cr, 0.112±0.002 to 1.581±0.002 mg/kg for Cd, and BDL to 34.775±0.004 mg/kg for Pb. Although some elements were found at a lower concentration in feed samples, they were found at a higher level in various parts of the examined chickens, eggs, and litter which may be resulted from other sources such as drinking water, soil, and the surrounding environment of the poultry industries. The brain contained a maximum amount of Cd, Cr, and Pb in comparison to other studied tissues of poultry. Most of the chicken body parts showed an excess level of Cr than the recommended guidelines. The Cu and Zn contents were usual in studied egg samples, whereas Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, and Pb were found higher than their tolerance limits which are highly alarming for public health and demand regular governance and monitoring.
View
... mg/kg. All the values in the studied samples were below the permissible limit (150 mg/kg) set by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) (Okoye et al., 2011a). The mean concentration of Zn in different studied poultry samples was far lower than the maximum acceptable concentration of Zn indicating the safe consumption of the poultry items considering the level of Zn. ...
Assessment of toxic heavy metals and trace elements in poultry feeds, consumer chickens and eggs in Bangladesh
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2022
Considering the potential health hazardous effects, the distribution and deposition of heavy metals and trace elements including Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb in different tissues (skin, brain, liver, meat, and bone) of broiler and layer chickens, their feeds, litter, and eggs were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after nitric/perchloric acid digestion. The samples for this study were taken from four poultry industries located at Sreepur upazila of Gazipur district of Bangladesh. The observed levels of heavy metals and trace element contents in different studied samples were to be in the range of 0.143±0.001 to 7.324±0.004 mg/kg for Mn, below the detection limit (BDL) to 324.43±0.003 mg/kg for Fe, 0.451±0.002 to 4.329±0.005 mg/kg for Cu, 0.014±0.001 to 7.413±0.003 mg/kg for Zn, 0.082±0.002 to 7.806±0.002 mg/kg for Cr, 0.112±0.002 to 1.581±0.002 mg/kg for Cd, and BDL to 34.775±0.004 mg/kg for Pb. Although some elements were found at a lower concentration in feed samples, they were found at a higher level in various parts of the examined chickens, eggs, and litter which may be resulted from other sources such as drinking water, soil, and the surrounding environment of the poultry industries. The brain contained a maximum amount of Cd, Cr, and Pb in comparison to other studied tissues of poultry. Most of the chicken body parts showed an excess level of Cr than the recommended guidelines. The Cu and Zn contents were usual in studied egg samples, whereas Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, and Pb were found higher than their tolerance limits which are highly alarming for public health and demand regular governance and monitoring. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2021, 6 (3), 128-141
View
... Furthermore, lead level in chickens has been reported in other parts of the country Oforka et al., 2012;Okeke and Okeke, 2015;Tyokumbur, 2016). Most of the work done in the country were conducted in areas where there were outbreaks of lead poisoning due to mining and smelting activities or from abattoir surveys (Okoye and Ugwu, 2010;Okoye et al., 2011;Ihedioha and Okoye, 2012;Bala et al., 2013;Orisakwe et al., 2017). The possibility of long-term low level environmental contamination from other sources (used batteries, waste water irrigation, use of pesticides and Sahel J. Vet. ...
Lead Levels in Tissues of Local Scavenger Chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2021
Mineral mining activities with environmental pollution in Nigeria resulted in lead intoxication in humans and livestock. The likelihood of lead contamination of the environment from non-mining sources may exist in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. The study was carried out to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead in extensively reared local scavenger chickens-LSC (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Maiduguri. Two hundred samples each of the liver, kidney, intestine, muscle and blood were tested for lead using standard methods in toxicologic evaluation. There were significant (p<0.05) variations in lead levels in the kidney, liver, muscle, intestine and blood of local scavenger chickens. The highest mean lead level (17.0±12.0µg/kg) was observed in the liver, and the lowest lead level (4.0±7.0µg/kg) was in the blood. No significant (p>0.05) sex differences existed in the frequency of lead detection. Mean lead level in the liver of males was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of females with the highest and lowest mean lead levels occurring in the liver and kidney of male chickens, respectively. The highest lead level detected was 414 µg/kg; in the kidney of a female LSC. It was therefore concluded that environmental pollution with lead may be detected in LSC that bioaccumulate lead; with the liver having the highest affinity.
View
... Heavy metals can enter dairy manufacture through the burning of fossil fuels (atmospheric deposition), agrochemicals (pesticides), biosolids, land application of inorganic fertilizers, and animal manure (Nicholson et al, 2003). Hence, there is an urgent need to strengthen and securing the entire food chain from heavy metals contamination (Okoye et al, 2011). ...
Heavy Metals in Poultry Products in Bangladesh: A Possible Death Threat to Future Generations
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2019
The study evaluated the possible presence of heavy metals in poultry product and consequently the effects of heavy metals from poultry product to the people of Bangladesh. The findings indicate that the level chromium contamination along with other heavy metals were above the standard limits recommended by the World Health Organization and were the major cause for food-borne illness. Tannery and textile industries were the main sources of environmental pollution of heavy metals in Bangladesh. Further exploration through systematic research is warranted to determine the extent of contamination of heavy metal pollutants discharged from textile and tannery wastes that are found in poultry feed. As regards to environmental protection and food safety, animal feed additives in Dhaka City and elsewhere should be controlled based on appropriate legal limits approved by the regulatory agencies of Bangladesh. Keywords: Food Safety Education, Heavy Metals, Poultry Product, Ecosystem, Tannery Industry, Textile Industry
View
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Levels in Chicken Using Indeterministic Analysis: A Study Conducted in Localities of Lahore, Pakistan
Preprint
Full-text available
  • Jul 2023
The poultry industry is a significant source of animal protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly through the consumption of chicken meat. A study conducted in Lahore collected 100 samples each of chicken liver, chicken feed and water to investigate the presence of Arsenic and selected heavy metals. The analysis revealed contamination above safe limits, with Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Cadmium (Cd) being the most prominent metals detected. Neutrosophic statistics proved to be a more informative approach for data analysis. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and mitigating heavy metal contamination in the poultry industry to ensure the safety and quality of poultry products.
View
Identifikasi Kontaminasi Logam Berat pada Ayam Kuning Sukabumi di Bogor Utara
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2020
Ayam kuning sukabumi adalah salah satu pangan hewani yang banyak dijual di pinggir jalan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis pengaruh lama penjualan terhadap kadar kontaminasi logam berat Pb, Cd dan Cu pada ayam kuning sukabumi di Kecamatan Bogor Utara. Perlakuan pada penelitian ini adalah waktu penjualan ayam kuning sukabumi yakni 0 jam dan 3 jam. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan nilai rataan kadar Pb sebesar 112% dan Cd sebesar 55% pada ayam kuning sukabumi akibat lama penjualan selama tiga jam.
View
Estimation of Some Heavy Metals Concentration in Layer Farms at El-Fayoum Governorate
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2018
Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) contents in drinking water, layer feed and in addition Hen's Eggs collected from two layer farms which present at two different areas, non industrial area (Integrated poultry project in El-Azab) and industrial area (Kom Oshim) in Tamia district in El-Fayoum province, Egypt, during winter season. All samples will be analyzed to determine the translocations of heavy metals from water and feed to the bird's eggs. The results explained that the mean metal contents in the different samples of selected poultry farms are Pb (0.436±0.26, 0.529±0.089), (2.891±0.194, 3.182±0.28) and (0.071± 0.03, 0.099±0.0396 ppm). Cd (0.2912±0.029, 0.3936±0.013), (0.508±0.017, 0.5854±0.003) and (0.005±0.0013, 0.0125±0.003 ppm). Cu (4.651±0.044, 4.1352±0.288), (9.15±1.202,14.75±0.417) and (0.0442±0.0075, 0.03032±0.004 ppm). Zn (55.238±0.386, 57.739±0.466), (57.605±3.06, 58.319±0.73) and (0.0668±0.018,0.016±0.00498 ppm). Fe (309.49±44.015, 291.553±0.466), (153.58±15.3, 124.12±3.26) and (0.013±0.008 ppm , ND). And Mn (2.63±0.3049, 2.178±0.191), (84.98±5.676, 85.884±1.07) and (0.0056±0.0037 ppm , ND) for eggs, layer feeds and drinking water which were collected from non industrial area and industrial area in El-Fayoum province, Egypt, respectively. These data interpreted that Pb and Cd in eggs, layer feeds and drinking water collected from industrial area were higher than that which were collected from non industrial area. Also these metals residual concentrations particularly in layer eggs and drinking water were more than the permissible limits
View
STUDY ON THE LEVEL OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN FEED MATERIALS AND COMPOUND FEED FOR PIGS AND POULTRY IN BULGARIA
Article
Full-text available
A total of 152 samples of feed ingredients and compound feed for pigs and poultry was analysed for concentrations of lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, arsenic and mercury using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The data showed lead and cadmium levels in compound feeds for pigs and poultry in Bulgaria were higher compared to current European official regulations: 33.9% for lead and 20.34% for cadmium in studied samples. One third of analysed plant feed ingredients used in the production of compound feed had a cadmium content of 1 and over 1 mg/kg, vs. maximum allowed concentration of 1 mg/kg. As a whole, the average content of nickel, arsenic and mercury in compound feed for pigs and poultry, used in Bulgaria, is not disturbing. The monitoring of these elements' content is necessary as well, although not at the same level as, for instance, for lead and cadmium.
View
Heavy Metal Levels in Animal Muscle Tissue: A Case Study of Nigerian Raised Cattle
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2010
The increasing level of pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial environment with which some animals which form part of human diet are constantly in contact has been a global concern, minding the contamination of aquatic and terrestrial organisms especially in countries which are prone to severe environmental pollution due to the lack of appropriate waste management system and technologies. In Nigeria as well as several other countries, meat from cattle is the most common hence, the need to assess the level of heavy metals in cow muscle tissue. The levels of Pb, Cd, Co, Zn, Cu and Fe were determined in the muscle tissue of 15 cattle at slaughter during 3 different seasons. The samples were digested and analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The values ranged from ND-14.80 mg kg-1 at the on-set of rainy season; 0.01 -3.53 mg kg-1 at the peak of rainy season and 0.005-3.90 mg kg-1 during the dry season.
View
View
Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Liver, Kidney and Meat of Beef, Mutton, Caprine and Chicken from Kasuwan Shanu Market in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2010
This study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cr, Cd, As, Ni and Pb) in liver, kidney and meat of beef (cow), mutton (sheep), caprine (goat) and chicken, from Kasuwan Shanu Market in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria by using Perkin-Elmer Analyst 300 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The levels of heavy m etals in the liver, kidney and meat of beef, mutton, caprine and chicken ranged from 0.23 to 1.22±0.21 μg/g Cr; 0.1 to 1.34±0.23 μg/g Pb; 0.10 to 1.44±0.06 μg/g Cu; 0.98 to 4.65±0.30:g/g Fe; 0.01 to 1.09±0.26 μg/g Ni; 0.45 to 4.11±0.44 μg/g Mn; 0.07 to 0.76±0.15 μg/g Cd; 0.01 to 0.34±0.23 μg/g As and 1.10 to 6.23±0.16 μg/g Zn. The concentrations of all the metals in the liver, kidney and meat of beef, mutton, caprine and chicken were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Generally, livers and kidneys w ere found to have the highest significant levels of metals and meat the lowest levels. When compared to one another (beef, mutton, caprine and chicken), there did show significant differences. Hence, the concentrations of all the metals were within the tolerance limits with the exception of Cr and Pb, which were higher than standard limits.
View
Association of Blood Lead and Tibia Lead with Blood Pressure and Hypertension in a Community Sample of Older Adults
Article
Full-text available
Few studies have compared associations of blood lead and tibia lead with blood pressure and hypertension, and associations have differed in samples with occupational exposure compared with those with mainly environmental lead exposure. African Americans have been underrepresented in prior studies. The authors performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2001–2002 data from a community-based cohort in Baltimore, Maryland, of 964 men and women aged 50–70 years (40% African American, 55% White, 5% other race/ethnicity) to evaluate associations of blood lead and tibia lead with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and hypertension while adjusting for a large set of potential confounding variables. Blood lead was a strong and consistent predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in models adjusted and not adjusted for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Tibia lead was associated with hypertension status before adjustment for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (p = 0.01); after such adjustment, the association was borderline significant (p = 0.09). Propensity score analysis suggested that standard regression analysis may have exaggerated the attenuation. These findings are discussed in the context of complex causal pathways. The data suggest that lead has an acute effect on blood pressure via recent dose and a chronic effect on hypertension risk via cumulative dose.
View
Elevated Levels of Lead in Blood of Different Groups in the Urban Population of Enugu State, Nigeria
Article
  • Sep 2010
Two hundred and forty blood samples were collected from children, women, and men in urban areas of Enugu State, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed for lead by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results show the range and % detectable values were 3.9–88.1 μg/dl and 97.92%, respectively. The sample population was classified according to age groups (≤12, 13–25, and >25 years), sex, occupationally and non-occupationally exposed, pregnant women/nursing mothers and other women, and those exposed/or not exposed to some possible risk factors. This was done to find out if there is a trend within the different categories, which will help in identifying toxicity risk groups of lead in Nigeria. Children had the highest range of blood lead levels (12–88 μg/dl), with a mean level of 48.8 μg/dl. Males showed a higher mean concentration for lead than did the women in our study, while pregnant women/nursing mothers had a lower mean concentration (28.8 ± 19.8 μg/dl) of lead than the other women (32.8 ± 12 μg/dl). There was significant difference between the responses for some of the factors, showing that concentrations of lead are affected by these factors. The generally polluted environment probably has had significant impact on the lead blood burden of the Nigerian population.
View
Manganese accumulation along Utah roadways: A possible indication of motor vehicle exhaust pollution
Article
An organic manganese compound is currently added to gasoline to replace tetraethyl lead as an antiknock fuel additive in the USA and Canada. Combustion exhaust gases contain manganese oxides. Manganese oxides are known to cause various deleterious health effects in experimental animals and humans. A field survey of roadside soil and plants in central Utah revealed that soil manganese concentrations in high traffic areas were up to 100-fold higher than historic lead levels. Soil manganese concentrations were highly correlated with distance from the roadway. Lead concentrations seem to have changed little from values reported twenty years ago but may have moved deeper into the soil profile. In addition, roadside aquatic plants were higher in leaf tissue manganese than herbs or grasses. Plant tissue manganese content was better correlated with plant type, traffic volume and microhabitat than with distance from the roadway. Submerged and emergent aquatic plants were sensitive bioindicators of manganese contamination. Roadside snow melt and water samples were low in manganese and lead content. We conclude that roadside soil and plants were apparently contaminated by manganese oxides from Mn-containing motor vehicle exhaust. Manganese concentrations in soil and in some plant species along impacted roadsides often exceeded levels known to cause toxicity.
View
Cadmium carcinogenesis in review
Article
Cadmium is an inorganic toxicant of great environmental and occupational concern which was classified as a human carcinogen in 1993. Occupational cadmium exposure is associated with lung cancer in humans. Cadmium exposure has also, on occasion, been linked to human prostate cancer. The epidemiological data linking cadmium and pulmonary cancer are much stronger than for prostatic cancer. Other target sites for cadmium carcinogenesis in humans (liver, kidney, stomach) are considered equivocal. In rodents, cadmium causes tumors at several sites and by various routes. Cadmium inhalation in rats results in pulmonary adenocarcinomas, supporting a role in human lung cancer. Prostate tumors and preneoplastic proliferative lesions can be induced in rats after cadmium ingestion or injection. Prostatic carcinogenesis in rats occurs only at cadmium doses below those that induce chronic degeneration and dysfunction of the testes, a well-known effect of cadmium, confirming the androgen dependency of prostate tumors. Other targets of cadmium in rodents include the testes, adrenals, injection sites, and hematopoietic system. Various treatments can modify cadmium carcinogenesis including supplemental zinc, which prevents cadmium-induced injection site and testicular tumors while facilitating prostatic tumors. Cadmium is poorly mutagenic and probably acts through indirect mechanisms, although the precise mechanisms remain unknown.
View
An inventory of heavy metals inputs to agricultural soils in England and Wales
Article
An inventory of heavy metal inputs (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg) to agricultural soils in England and Wales in 2000 is presented, accounting for major sources including atmospheric deposition, sewage sludge, livestock manures, inorganic fertilisers and lime, agrochemicals, irrigation water, industrial by-product 'wastes' and composts. Across the whole agricultural land area, atmospheric deposition was the main source of most metals, ranging from 25 to 85% of total inputs. Livestock manures and sewage sludge were also important sources, responsible for an estimated 37-40 and 8-17% of total Zn and Cu inputs, respectively. However, at the individual field scale sewage sludge, livestock manures and industrial wastes could be the major source of many metals where these materials are applied. This work will assist in developing strategies for reducing heavy metal inputs to agricultural land and effectively targeting policies to protect soils from long-term heavy metal accumulation.
View
Report of the 32nd Session of the codex committee of the food additives Contaminants. Beijing People's Republic of China
  • Apr 2000
  • 20-24
  • Fao Who
FAO/WHO, 2000. Report of the 32nd Session of the codex committee of the food additives Contaminants. Beijing People's Republic of China, 20-24 March.