PESTICIDES AND TOXIC METALS RESIDUES IN MUSCLE AND LIVER TISSUES OF SHEEP, CATTLE AND DROMEDARY CAMEL IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Data regarding determination of pesticide residues and toxic elements in edible tissues of different animals particularly in the camels in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, current study aimed to evaluate levels of forty-five pesticides and heavy metals (lead (Pb); cadmium (Cd); Arsenic (As)) in muscle and liver tissue samples that collected from forty-two animals; sheep (n=21), cattle (n=11) and dromedary camels (n=10) admitted to Al-Ahsa abattoir, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Seven of forty-five pesticides residues were detected in tissues by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The detected pesticides were organophosphorus (diazinon, profenofos and coumaphos), pyrethroid (cypermethrin, permethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin) and acaricide (amitraz). Diazinon has been detected in both muscle and liver tissues of all examined carcasses. However, other detected residues distributed according to species. All toxic metals have been detected in both muscle and liver tissues of all tested animals. The heavy metal loads were species independent. The concentrations of Pb and As in liver tissues were comparable to that of muscle tissues of all tested animals. However, the concentrations of Cd in liver were significantly higher than that in muscles of all tested animals. All values of detected pesticide residues and heavy metals were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). In conclusion, pesticide residues and toxic metals were detected in meat and liver tissues of sheep, cattle and dromedary camels that admitted to Al-Ahsa abattoir, Saudi Arabia. The detected pesticides residues and toxic metals were well below MRLs; thereby no risks are associated with its human consumption.Key words: chromatography; residues; toxic elements; meat; pesticides; animals