Accumulation of Metals in the Liver and Kidneys of Cattle from Agricultural Areas in Lusaka, Zambia
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Date
2012-05-11
Authors
Yabe, John
Nakayama, Shouta M. M.
Ikenaka, Yoshinori
Muzandu, Kaampwe
Ishizuka, Mayumi
Umemura, Takashi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of veterinary medicine
Abstract
ABSTRACT. Intensive agricultural practices are recognized as significant sources of metal pollution in soils and pasture. This study investigated
metal contamination in cattle offal from an agricultural area in Zambia, where inorganic fertilizers, agricultural lime, and pesticides
are routinely applied. The highest median values (mg/kg, wet weight) of Cu (40.9), Zn (35.2), Cr (1.35) and Ni (0.594) were recorded in
the liver, whereas the highest median values of Pb (0.061) and Cd (0.049) were found in kidneys. Maximum levels of Hg, As and Co were
under 0.2 mg/kg in both organs. Pb and Cd did not exceed the benchmark values in cattle offal for human consumption and did not pose
immediate health risks. Concentrations of Ni and Cr could present a public health concern. Monitoring of metal accumulations in offal
of cattle, not only from well-known polluted environments but also agricultural areas, should be done regularly for the health of human consumers.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Cattle , kidney , Liver , Metal accumulation