Survey of arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury and lead in kidney of cattle, horse, sheep and pigs from rural areas in Croatia

Abstract

Trace element (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb) concentrations were determined in the kidney of cattle, sheep, horses and pigs from rural areas of Croatia. Arsenic concentrations in kidney tissues ranged from 0.013 to 0.5 mg kg⁻¹. No significant differences in As kidney levels were observed among species. The highest levels of Cd and Hg were found in horses and ranged 0.029–47.4 and 0.009–0.13 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The European Union maximum levels for Cd in kidney were exceeded by 92.3% of horses, 14% of cattle and 16% of sheep. The highest mean Cu levels were found in sheep and horse (8.53 and 8.45 mg kg⁻¹). Mean Hg concentrations in kidney of cattle, sheep, horses and pigs were 0.051, 0.011, 0.034 and 0.094 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and the highest levels of Pb were found in cattle (1.71 mg kg⁻¹). Significant differences in Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations between animal species were observed.

Keywords:

• metals analysis, AAS
• heavy metals
• animal products, meat

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all those who contributed to this study. Special thanks go to Marijana Fluka and Mirjana Hren for assistance in sample preparation. The study was supported with a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Veterinary Directorate, Croatia.