Heavy Metals Analysis in Selected Tissues and Organs of Slaughtered Cattles from Old Timber Market Abattoir, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in livestock poses significant risks to both animal and human health. This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals in selected tissues and organs of slaughtered cattle in the vicinity of the new Abattoir in Gombe State. A total of 5 samples each were collected from various anatomical regions; the head, heart and liver of the slaughtered cattle and were analyzed for Cr, Cd and Pb. The samples were weighed and digested using a mixture of HCl and HNO3. The elemental analysis of the digested samples was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration (ppm) trend of heavy metals in the samples detected in the liver region was Cr > Pb > Cd whose mean concentrations were 0.41, 0.08 and 0.03 ppm respectively, Cr > Cd > Pb was observed in the heart region with sample concentrations 0.34, 0.02 and 0.01 ppm respectively, Cr > Cd > Pb was observed in the head region with sample concentrations 0.99, 0.03 and 0.01 ppm respectively. The results revealed that the area of study whose slaughtered cattle was subjected to assessment was not contaminated to a high extent when compared to the permissible limits set by the WHO and FAO.