Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine serum concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) of Barki sheep reared in the rainfed area at Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. Forty apparently healthy Barki sheep (2-4 years of age) were randomly selected from Marsa Matrouh and El Negaila farms (twenty each) for this study. In addition to twenty healthy Barki sheep aged 2-4 years, obtained from Borg El Arab farm, represented as control. Animals classified into 3 groups according to water source: Borg El Arab as control (Tap water); Matrouh (Rainfall water); El Negaila (Rainfall Water). Water and serum samples were prepared for the detection and estimation of selected metals by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Metal analysis revealed that Pb levels in different water samples were recorded above the EWQS of 0.01 ppm in following: El Negaila > Matrouh > control, Cd levels were recorded in El Negaila (RW) and Matrouh (RW) above recommended limit of 0.003, Se levels were recorded above maximum limit EWQS of 0.01 ppm in control (TW) followed by El Negaila and Matrouh however the levels of Cu, Zn, and Fe from the surveyed areas were below EWQS limits. Serum mineral analysis, Pb level was significantly increased only in examined sheep of El Negaila, Cd levels were higher in examined sheep of El Negaila and Matrouh however, Cu, Zn, and Fe levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Conclusion: water analysis showed that Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were within the levels recommended by EWQS except for Pb, Cd and Se levels which need more attention. Serum analysis revealed high levels of Pb, Cd, and Se however deficient to marginal levels of Zn and Cu were detected in examined sheep. These results should provide a database for the mineral status of Barki sheep and their drinking water quality in Matrouh and El Negaila as well as evaluate environmental pollution status in this area.
Highlights
Environmental pollution is a topic of great interest because it directly affects the quality of ecosystems and of all living organisms at different trophic and systematic levels (Ferrante et al, 2017)
Metal analysis revealed that Pb levels in different water samples were recorded above the EWQS of 0.01 ppm in following: El Negaila > Matrouh > control, Cd levels were recorded in El Negaila (RW) and Matrouh (RW) above recommended limit of 0.003, Se levels were recorded above maximum limit EWQS of 0.01 ppm in control (TW) followed by El Negaila and Matrouh the levels of Cu, Zn, and Fe from the surveyed areas were below EWQS limits
It can be clearly observed that Pb, Cd and Se levels in different water samples were recorded above the maximum permissible limits
Summary
Environmental pollution is a topic of great interest because it directly affects the quality of ecosystems and of all living organisms at different trophic and systematic levels (Ferrante et al, 2017). The risk associated with the exposure to Pb and Cd present in food products had serious health hazards to animals and may lead to accumulation of these metals in the body and cause metal toxicity (Milam et al, 2017). Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se), among others trace minerals, are required for the normal functioning of basically all biochemical processes in the body. They are part of several enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidize and glutathione reductase. They are essential components of the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species so protect tissues from oxidative damage (Evans and Halliwell, 2001; Čobanová et al, 2017)
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