ABSTRACT

This present study seeks to determine the concentrations of some trace metals (Cadmium, Lead, Iron, copper, zinc. Nickel and chromium) in the three organs (Kidney, muscles and liver) of the two animals (cow and goat) using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and also comparing them with the food and agricultural organization (F AO) permissible limits of these trace metals in meats. Samples of Livers, muscles and kidneys of cow and goat meats were collected from the Umuahia central abattoir, prepared and preserved using standard methods. The preserved samples were digested and analyzed for concentration of the following trace metals (Cadmium, Lead, iron, copper, zinc, nickel and chromium). Their results were as follows: Muscle (cow); (Cadmium: 0.78mg/kg, Lead: 0.04mg/kg, Iron: 7lmg/kg, Copper: 0.83mg/kg, Zinc: 0.25mg/kg, Nickel: 0.17mg/kg, Chromium: 0.34mg/kg). Liver (cow); (Cadmium: 0.68mg/kg, Lead: 0.0lmg/kg, Iron: 0.13mg/kg, Copper: 0.29mg/kg, Zinc: 0.58mg/kg, Nickel: 0.25mg/kg, Chromium: l .76mg/kg). Kidney (cow); (Cadmium: 0.88mg/kg) Lead: 0.19mg/kg, Iron: 9.15mg/kg, Copper: .52mg/kg, Zinc: 17.15mg/kg, Nickel: 0.28mg/kg, Chromium: 2.30mg/kg. Muscle (goat): (cadmium: 0.6lmg/kg, Lead: 0.03mg/kg, Iron: 0.82mg/kg, Copper: 0.63mg/kg, Zinc: 0.45mg/kg, Nickel: 0.1 lmg/kg, Chromiwn: 0.3 lmg/kg). Liver (goat); (Cadmium: 0.66mg/kg, Lead: 0.02mg/kg, Iron: 0.36mg/kg, Copper: 0.39mg/kg, Zinc: 7lmg/kg, Nickel: 0.2lmg/kg, Chromium 0.65 mg/kg). Kidney (goat); (Cadmium: 0.8lmg/kg, Lead: 0.18mg/kg, Iron: 10.llmg/kg, Copper: l.0lmg/kg, Zinc: 15mg/kg, Nickel: 0.24mg/kg, Chromium: 0.78mg/kg). From the obtained results, all organs of the two animals contained appreciable concentration amounts of the investigated trace metals. The organs of the cow contained higher concentrations of trace metals than the organs of the goat The kidney of both animals showed the highest concentration of all investigated trace metals. All investigated trace metals were within the permissible Food and Agricultural Organization FAQ limits, except cadmium which was higher than the F AO permissible limits. Regular analysis in meat samples from this area is strongly recommended to ascertain the safety of the meats for consumption