Analysis of Lead Levels in Local Jordanian and Imported Sheep Meat and Organs Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

A total of two hundred and forty random samples were collected equally from mutton, liver and kidney of 40 local (Jordanian) and 40 imported Australian sheep (40 each sub sample). Fresh samples were collected from 12-18 m old sheep slaughtered in abattoirs in Jordan in 2002. Besides, 40 fresh mutton samples of imported Chinese sheep were collected from different markets. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to estimate the lead (Pb) content of the samples. Results indicated that Australian mutton had significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean of lead pollution than that of the local and Chinese muttons. The mean concentration of lead (mg/kg) in Australian, local and Chinese muttons was 4.30, 3.15 and 2.17, respectively. The mean concentration of lead in Australian sheep liver was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that recorded in the local sheep liver. The mean concentration of Pb in Australian and local sheep liver was 5.69 and 4.52 mg/kg, respectively. The mean concentrations of Pb in the kidney of the Australian and local sheep were not significantly different (p > 0.05). They were 4.59 and 3.87 mg/kg, respectively. On the basis of the samples lead level, 85, 92 and 87.5% of local, Australian and Chinese mutton respectively, exceeded the international safe permissible limit of 1.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, the effect of Pb on animal and human health was discussed.

Toxic (Pb, Cd, Hg) and essential (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) metal content of liver tissue of some domestic and bush animals in Ghana

“…However, the levels of Pb in sheep in this study (1.3-6.3 mg kg À1 ) are comparable to the reported mean concentrations for imported Australian and local Jordanian sheep liver of 5.69 and 4.52 mg kg À1 , respectively. (Massadeh et al, 2006). The estimated amount of iron in 16-36 g of the liver needed to satisfy the 10-mg of daily iron requirement would provide consumers with 0.02-0.5 mg of Pb.…”

Health risk assessment quantification from heavy metals contamination in the urban soil and urban surface deposited sediment

“…Furthermore, development in an urban environment can affect human health [26]. One of the three major mechanisms, ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, induced toxic health effects in the body [26][27][28][29][30]. In the urban environment, atmospheric deposition plays a role, where, USDS contains small particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 and PM10 fractions, which poses a significant health risk [31].…”

Determination of lead, cadmium and copper in roadside soil and plants in Elazig, Turkey

“…Toxic effects of heavy metals have been well studied (Flora 2002;Yang et al 2002;Nordberg 2003;Massadeh et al 2006). Heavy metals may enter the food chain as a result of their uptake by edible plants.…”