Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the agricultural soils from different regions in Saudi Arabia for cobalt and related metals as Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Cr(3+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+). Liver and muscle tissues of livestock grazing on the selected areas were analyzed for the content of Co and vitamin B12. Our results indicated that the levels of Co in surface soil (0-15 cm) were higher than in sub-surface soil (>15 cm-45 cm). In contrast, Pb and Zn were higher in sub-surface soil than in surface soil. A significant positive correlation existed between the levels of Co and vitamin B12 in the liver of livestock. However, Co was not detected in muscle tissues while vitamin B12 was present at very low levels in comparison with the levels found in the liver. The results indicated that Zn(2+), Pb(2+) compete with Co in soil, which eventually affected the levels of vitamin B12 in liver. It was recommended that survey of heavy metals in grazing fields of cattle should consider inclusion of multiple elements that compete with the bioavailability of essential elements in plants and animals for the prevention of deficiency of essential elements such as Co.
Highlights
Many trace elements present in agro ecosystems including cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) are not essential for plant growth but are required by animals and human beings
The results indicated that Zn2+, Pb2+ compete with Co in soil, which eventually affected the levels of vitamin B12 in liver
The concentrations of heavy metals including Co determined in soil samples from different regions of Saudi Arabia are shown in Tables 1 and 2
Summary
Liver and muscle tissues of livestock grazing on the selected areas were analyzed for the content of Co and vitamin B12. Results: Our results indicated that the levels of Co in surface soil (0-15 cm) were higher than in sub-surface soil (>15 cm[45] cm). Pb and Zn were higher in sub-surface soil than in surface soil. A significant positive correlation existed between the levels of Co and vitamin B12 in the liver of livestock. Co was not detected in muscle tissues while vitamin B12 was present at very low levels in comparison with the levels found in the liver. The results indicated that Zn2+, Pb2+ compete with Co in soil, which eventually affected the levels of vitamin B12 in liver.
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