Toxic Metals Contamination of Cattle Hide Singed With Scrap Tyres

Abstract

Processed cattle hide popularly known as “Ganda” in Nigeria is widely eaten as a substitute for meat but the commercial method of processing this food delicacy through singeing with scrap tyres has become a source of concern due to possible heavy metals contamination. This study evaluates the presence and levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn in the cattle hide samples obtained by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The hide samples analyzed were obtained from seven states across the three geopolitical zones in northern Nigeria. Cd was not detected in most of the samples, notably from Niger, Zamfara, Adamawa and Plateau states, while concentrations of 0.0001±5.77E-5, 0.0005±4.71E-5, and 0.009±0.001 mg/kg detected from Kano, Kaduna, and Taraba, respectively, were lower than the maximum permissible level of 0.05 mg/kg set by the reference limits. Pb concentrations in all the samples analyzed were 1.080±0.072 to 1.760±0.160 mg/kg which surpassed the maximum permissible level of 0.1 mg/kg set by the reference limits, while other heavy metals were below the safe limits. The high levels of Pb introduced to the singed hide beyond the reference limits could be linked to the use of scrap tyres in the burning hairs of the hide, and it could be of great concern after consumption. In view of the above possible health implications that might arise, a detailed and proper health risk assessment technique needs to be employed in future research.