Lead and cadmium in meat and organs of game in Slovenia

Abstract

Pollution of the environment and contamination of animals including game with Pb and Cd are serious problems in most countries. Our many-years results of Pb and Cd residues in meat and organs of game show us, that the herbaceous game, which feed only with various herbs are more contaminated than other animals - cattle and pigs. They really seem to be a good environmental contamination indicator. The aim of our research was to establish contamination levels of game with Pb and Cd. Two different regions of Slovenia, an industrial region with a lead mine and smeltry in Koroska and an unindustrial one a Ilirska Bistrica were chosen to study contamination of game. Muscle tissues, heart muscles, kidneys and livers of roe-deer, chamois, red-deer and wild boards were analysed. The correlation between the animals` age and cadmium content in kidney was researched and a positive correlation was established. We have found out to which extent the meat and organs of game correspond with our available tolerances for each single residue and whether they are unfit for human consumption. The results of investigations concerning Pb and Cd content in game analysed in Slovenia in the last four years were shown, too. Resultsmore » were taken from the reports of the Residue monitoring and surveillance which is performed in the Republic Slovenia for more than ten years. 6 refs., 5 tabs.« less