Kidney Cadmium Levels Research Articles

Regularities of cadmium accumulation in organs and bristle of Kemerovo breed pigs

The results of the atomic absorption analysis of the elemental status of pigs of Kemerovo breed are presented. The studies were carried out in pig farm in Kuzbass. Organ samples from pigs were taken immediately after slaughter and analyzed at the Analytical Center for Collective Use of the Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy (ACCU Sobolev IGM SB RAS) by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame and electrothermal atomization using SOLAAR M6 spectrometer (USA) according to State Standard 26929-94 “Raw food and food products. Cadmium levels in bristles (W=0.94, p>0.05) and kidneys (W=0.92, p>0.05) were characterized by normal distribution. In the breeding zone of the Kemerovo breed, the content of heavy metals in soil, water and feed was studied, which did not exceed the MPC. The mean cadmium levels in the kidneys and spleen were within the standard intervals established for pigs. Cadmium levels in the spleen and bristle were characterized by a smaller interquartile range relative to the kidneys. The obtained data on the concentration of cadmium in the organs and bristles of pigs of the Kemerovo breed can be used for the intravital assessment of the interior of animals.

Environmental exposure to cadmium reduces the primary antibody-mediated response of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) from differentially polluted locations in the Netherlands

The Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) is a widespread mammalian species that acts as a reservoir host for multiple infections, including zoonotic diseases. Exposure to immunotoxins, like for instance trace metals, may reduce the ability of the host to mount proper responses to pathogens, potentially increasing the transmission and prevalence of infections. Antibody-mediated responses are crucial in preventing and limiting infections, and the quantification of the primary antibody response is considered a sensitive predictor of immunosuppression. The current study aims to investigate effects of cadmium exposure on the antibody-mediated responses of wood mice inhabiting polluted and non-polluted areas in the Netherlands. Wood mice were captured alive at different locations and immunized to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to induce a primary antibody response. SRBC-specific antibody-producing cells, or plaque forming cells (PFC), were quantified and related to kidney cadmium levels. Differential circulating main leukocyte populations were also characterised. Cadmium concentrations in mice kidneys differed between mice captured at different locations, and increased with individual body mass, likely associated with age-related time of exposure. Effect of cadmium was apparent on the percentages of B cell counts in blood. Because of potential natural immune heterogeneity between wild rodent populations, mice immune responses were analysed and compared grouped by captured locations. Capture location had significant effect on the total counts of white blood cells. Increasing cadmium exposure in wood mice captured from polluted sites was associated with a decrease of splenic PFC counts. This field research shows that wood mice antibody responses can be impaired by cadmium exposure, even at low environmental levels, by affecting B cell functioning mainly. Impaired B cell function can make exposed mice more susceptible to infections, potentially increasing the reservoir function of their populations. It also shows that immunomodulatory effects in the field should be assessed site specifically.

Survey for Cadmium Concentration in Liver, Kidney and Muscle of Slaughtered Sheep in Butcher Shops of Fallujah City, Iraq

Cadmium (Cd) is regarded as one of major the presence of hazardous substances in the environment, with a broad variety toxicity to organs and an extended half-life of removal. Cd exposure for farmed ruminants can come from industrial processing and intensive agricultural operations, which can pollute feed and water. It was noted that most of the wastes produced by nearby factories in Al Fallujah city are either strewn around the highways or use as landfills while the sewage is used for irrigation, while sheep graze on the edges of runways and other sites that might have been contaminated with hazardous materials. EF (enrichment factor) According to the findings, the concentration of Cd in the soils of Al Fallujah city was exceptionally high, and according to sediment content criteria, the soils in Fallujah city were contaminated with high concentrations of Cd, revealing the influence of human and industrial activity on Cd accumulation in the soil. Cadmium levels in liver, kidney and muscle from 216 samples for 72 slaughtered sheep in slaughterhouse at Al Fallujah city, Iraq during the period of October to December 2020 were analyzed. The values of Cadmium detected in sheep liver, kidney and muscle samples were 0.138± 0.020, 0.432 ± 0.090, and 0.037± 0.003 mg/kg, respectively which refer to high concentration of Cd in sheep viscera also This study demonstrates the need of assessing and monitoring cadmium and other hazardous metal levels in meals in order to create population-safe intake values.

Cadmium and arsenic levels in edible fishes, Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) and Ompok bimaculatus (butter catfish) from Padaviya Reservoir, Sri Lanka and human health risk assessment associated with their dietary exposure

Consumption of fish contaminated with toxic heavy metals is a threat to human health. Cadmium and arsenic are suspected as potential risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu), which is highly prevalent in agricultural settlements in dry zone districts of Sri Lanka causing a severe public health crisis. Objectives of this study were (i) to determine cadmium and arsenic levels in muscle, liver and kidney of two edible fishes (Nile tilapia and butter catfish) from the Padaviya reservoir located in the North Central Province, Sri Lanka where CKDu is highly prevalent and (ii) to assess the potential human health risks associated with the dietary exposure through edible muscle of these fishes. Cadmium and arsenic levels of the tissues in the two fish species were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In both fish species, highest cadmium levels were found in kidney (p 0.05) were evident for arsenic. In the edible muscle, the maximum detected cadmium level in Nile tilapia was 0.1 mg/kg in wet weight. However, cadmium levels in the muscle of all Butter catfish were

Detecting silent stressors: Trace element effects on nutritional status of declining scoter ducks of Puget Sound, USA

White-winged scoters (Melanitta fusca; WWSC) and surf scoters (M. perspicillata; SUSC) have declined by over 60% in recent decades. Identifying contributing factors from within a mosaic of sublethal, multiple stressors is challenging. In urbanized Puget Sound, Washington, USA where scoters winter, changes in prey availability explained only a portion of local declines, suggesting that other “silent stressors” such as sublethal contaminants might play a role. Past studies of pollutant effects on scoters used Fisherian statistics that often revealed few correlates; however, novel statistical approaches could detect and provide more insights about sublethal impacts. Our objectives were to (1) relate pollutant accumulation to health of the birds, and (2) compare permutational multivariate statistics with traditional approaches in identifying sublethal health effects. We collected scoters from three locations in Puget Sound in December 2005 and March 2006, and measured cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) levels in livers and kidneys. To assess impacts of low contaminants levels in tissues on nutritional status (whole-body mass, lipid, and protein; and triglycerides, β-hydroxybutyrate, and uric acid in blood), we compared statistical methods. Permutational multivariate methods use Monte Carlo techniques to assess how an integrated matrix of physiological responses in each animal respond to contaminants. Univariate regressions revealed very few and inconsistent relationships. In contrast, multivariate models showed that liver Hg and Se explained 25% of the variance in nutritional status of white-winged scoters; and in surf scoters, Cd, Hg, and Se in tissues explained 14 to 27% of nutritional status depending on site. The influence of these factors equals other aspects of habitat such as foraging conditions. Our study indicates that permutational multivariate statistics can be a powerful tool for identifying sublethal contaminant associations that, with non-contaminant stressors, can influence nutritional status and thus, contribute to population dynamics.

Determination of cadmium and lead levels in meat, liver and kidney of cow and goat marketed in Zaria, Nigeria

Determination of cadmium and lead levels in meat, liver and kidney of cow and goat marketed in Zaria, Nigeria

Lead and Cadmium Levels in Liver, Kidney and Muscle of Harvested Wild Springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) Under Extensive Management in Southern and Southeastern Namibia

The aims of the study were to assess heavy metals (lead and cadmium) values in meat and offal from harvested springbok. For cadmium (Cd), mean concentrations in liver and kidney were 0.10 ± 0.04 mg/kg, 0.33 ± 0.05 mg/kg and 1.04 ± 0.15 mg/kg, 0.91 ± 0.12 mg/kg for lead (Pb). None of the samples had a Cd level above the limits set for the liver (0.5 mg/kg) and 1.0 mg/kg set for the kidney while two of the samples had a Pb level above the limits for the liver (0.5 mg/kg) and 12 samples had Pb values above the limits for the kidney (0.5 mg/kg). The mean Pb and Cd concentrations in muscles were below the detection limit. In the current study, interpretation of the results was limited by the small number of positive samples; however, values were within the range previously reported in literature for wildlife species elsewhere.

Kidney cadmium levels and associations with urinary calcium and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study in Sweden.

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) can cause renal damage and osteoporosis after high-level exposure. Recently such effects, including increased urinary excretion of calcium, have been shown also at low-level exposure, as measured by Cd in blood or urine. However, associations with kidney Cd have not been examined. The aim of this study was to explore the relation between kidney Cd and urinary calcium excretion, or bone mineral density.MethodsCd was determined in kidney cortex biopsies from 109 living kidney donors. Serum was analyzed for ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Calcium was analyzed in overnight and 24-hour urine samples. Bone mineral density was measured in a subgroup of 67 donors. Associations between single variables were assessed by Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients. Differences between independent groups were compared using Student’s t-test. For related samples, paired t-test was applied. Associations between urinary calcium and kidney Cd, ionized serum calcium, serum parathyroid hormone, inactive and active vitamin D and background variables were assessed using multiple linear regression and logistic regression.ResultsIn spite of relatively low kidney Cd levels (median 13 μg/g, range 1.5-55 μg/g) kidney Cd and urinary calcium were positively associated, mainly caused by an association in women. Donors with kidney Cd above the median (subgroup mean 23 μg/g) had significantly higher excretion of urinary calcium normalized for creatinine than those below the median (subgroup mean 7.3 μg/g). In women, also the excretion of Ca per hour was higher in those with high kidney Cd (24 hour sample mean 0.21 vs. 0.15 mmol/h; overnight sample 0.16 vs. 0.11 mmol/h). There were negative associations between kidney Cd and bone mineral density, most of which, however, disappeared in multivariate analyses.ConclusionsThis study provides support for an association between kidney Cd levels and urinary calcium excretion in women, but not in men. The results strengthen the case for preventive measures against Cd pollution.

Blood Translation Elongation Factor-1δ Is a Novel Marker for Cadmium Exposure

Translation elongation factor-1δ (TEF-1δ) has been identified as a novel cadmium-responsive proto-oncogene. However, it is still unclear whether TEF-1δ could be a potential biomarker of cadmium exposure. Rats were treated with CdCl2 at different concentrations (high dose 1.225, mid-dose 0.612 and low dose 0.306 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 14 weeks, and the cadmium levels, weight coefficients, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), 24-h urine protein (24hPro), urinary creatinine (Cr) and pathological features were determined. The TEF-1δ expression in white blood cells and multiple organs were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were also confirmed with fluorescence quantitative PCR. A cadmium dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) of cadmium levels in blood, urine, liver, kidney, heart and lung, and the weight coefficients was observed. The liver and renal function indictors including AST, ALT, SCR, BUN and 24hPro, were elevated in a cadmium dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Significant pathological changes in liver, kidney, heart and lung were indicated. The TEF-1δ expression was up-regulated in both blood and organs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression level of blood TEF-1δ was positively correlated to TEF-1δ expression level, cadmium level and toxicity in the organs (p < 0.01). This study indicates that blood TEF-1δ is a novel valuable biomarker for cadmium exposure and its organ toxicity.

A study of metal concentrations and metallothionein binding capacity in liver, kidney and brain tissues of three Arctic seal species

Arctic seals are known to accumulate relatively high concentrations of potential toxic heavy metals in their vital organs, such as livers and kidneys, as well as in their central nervous system. We therefore decided to determine whether mercury, copper, cadmium and zinc levels in liver, kidney and brain tissues of three Arctic seal species were associated with the intracellular metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) as a sign of toxic exposure. Samples from four ringed ( Phoca hispida), five harp ( P . groenlandica) and five hooded ( Cystophora cristata) seals taken during field trips to Central West Greenland (Godhavn) and the Barents Sea in the spring of 1999 were used for the present study. In all three seal species concentrations of mercury, zinc and copper were highest in the liver, except for cadmium which was highest in the kidneys. Metal concentrations increased significantly in the order: ringed seal < harp seal < hooded seal for both kidney and liver tissues. MT concentrations were highest in the kidneys and the concentrations increased in the order: ringed seal < hooded seal < harp seal. MT metal-binding capacity was highest in the kidneys for all three species and increased in the same order: ringed seals (2–10%) < hooded seals (8–15%) < harp seals (27–63%). We therefore suggest that there are species-specific differences in the sub-cellular handling of heavy metals which indicate differences in sensitivity and health implications. However, a larger sample size is needed in order to test the relationship between metal concentrations and MT up-regulation in order to decide which metals are the most important and to elucidate whether the MT binding capacity is sufficient to protect tissues (i.e. kidney) from metal toxicosis. MT with its binding capacity could be a useful marker for environmental exposure to metals and their potential toxicity in the Arctic.

Impact of iron status on cadmium uptake in suckling piglets

Low iron status is known to increase the uptake of dietary cadmium in both adolescents and adults and there are indications that cadmium is absorbed from the intestine by the two major iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin 1 (FPN1). In addition, it has been suggested that duodenal metallothionein (MT) may limit the transport of cadmium across the intestinal epithelium. The present investigation was undertaken to examine whether iron status influences cadmium absorption in newborns by applying a model of suckling piglets and the possible roles of duodenal DMT1, FPN1 and MT. An oral cadmium dose (20 μg/kg body weight) was given daily for 6 consecutive days on postnatal days (PNDs) 10–15 to iron-deficient or iron-supplemented piglets. The cadmium dose was chosen to keep the cadmium level at a realistically low but still detectable level, and without inducing any adverse health effects in the piglets. As indicators of cadmium uptake, cadmium levels in blood and kidneys were measured on PND 16 by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cadmium levels in blood were statistically significantly correlated with cadmium levels in kidneys. The cadmium uptake was not higher in iron-deficient suckling piglets; rather, we detected a higher cadmium uptake in the iron-supplemented ones. The expression and localisation of DMT1, FPN1 and MT were not affected by iron status and could therefore not explain the findings. Our results suggest that there are developmental differences in the handling of both iron and cadmium in newborns as compared to adults.

Use of dogs as indicators of metal exposure in rural and urban habitats in NW Spain

Many different species have been used in environmental biomonitoring studies in diverse habitats including forest, farmland, and urban and sub-urban areas. However, there is little information on domestic animals living in rural or urban habitats and exposed to the same pollutants as the human population. In this connection, pets could prove to be good indicators of human metal exposure since they closely share the same environment as their owners, and are therefore exposed, at least in part, to the same pollutants. The present study investigated toxic metal exposure in dogs in NW Spain and compared metal exposures between dogs from rural and urban habitats, considering the influence of diet, sex and age. Samples of liver and kidney from 57 male and female dogs, aged between 6 months and 18 years, were collected after euthanasia at veterinary clinics. Samples were acid-digested and metal concentrations determined by ICP-MS. Geometric mean concentrations of metals in the liver and kidney (microg/kg wet weight) were 12.6 and 15.9 for arsenic, 58.0 and 175 for cadmium, 32.7 and 53.4 for mercury, and 57.7 and 23.1 respectively. Hepatic lead concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in dogs fed commercial diets than dogs fed home-made feed (32%) or a mixture of commercial and home-made feeds (95%). Mercury concentrations in the kidney were significantly higher (3-fold, p<0.05) in dogs from urban areas than in dogs from rural areas. Cadmium levels in kidney were significantly higher (p<0.05) in females (67%) and increased with age (p<0.001). Although no human samples were obtained in this study and no direct correlations between dogs and human metal exposure have been conducted, given our results pets could be suggested as surrogate indicators of human metal exposure.

Increased spontaneous motor activity in offspring after maternal cadmium exposure during lactation

Lactating rats were exposed to 0, 5 or 25 ppm cadmium as cadmium chloride in the drinking water. A battery of neurobehavioural tests was applied to the male offspring after weaning at 5 weeks until 4 months of age. The mean cadmium levels in exposed pup kidneys ranged from 0.006 to 0.030 mg/kg wet weight at weaning, with the corresponding maternal kidney cadmium levels ranging from 4 to 13 mg/kg wet weight. Significantly increased activity during the initial 20 min of the spontaneous motor activity test was observed in the highest-dose group compared to the control group. The activity outcome was significantly positively correlated with cadmium levels in the pup kidneys. No cadmium-related changes in performance were observed in the Morris water maze, the E-shaped maze or the elevated plus-maze. The results indicate that neurobehavioural effects during development may be a more sensitive parameter for Cd toxicity than renal dysfunction.

A Comparison of Cadmium in Ecosystems on Metalliferous Mine Tailings in Wales and Ireland

A comparative study of the concentrations of cadmium in ecosystems developed on tailings from lead/zinc mines was undertaken. Mine soils, vegetation, ground-dwelling invertebrates and Apodemus sylvaticus from nine historic and abandoned mines in Wales and a modern Irish mine site were sampled in order to evaluate and compare exposure risks to wildlife. There were three high soil cadmium sites (155–300 mg kg-1) all from north-east Wales sites, one intermediate site (21 mg kg-1) the Irish mine tailings, with the other sites having low (background) cadmium levels. The cadmium levels reflected differencesin ore minerology and in particular the presence of the zinc ore, sphalerite. The highest plant and invertebrate cadmium levels generally occurred in the three high soil cadmium sites. However, occasional high levels were found in plant and invertebrate samples from one or more of the low cadmium sites. Of particular significance was, despite the relatively high soil cadmium, the very low cadmium concentrations in the plants and invertebrates from the Irish tailings. Evidence of food-chain transfer and even biomagnification in invertebrates did not lead to high cadmium levels in kidneys of A. sylvaticus. Onlyat one high site were the kidney cadmium residues significantly higher than the reference site.

Environmental contaminants in liver and kidney of free-ranging northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) from three regions of Germany.

The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a top predator in the terrestrial food web of large parts of the Holarctic. Due to its sedentary nature and well-investigated feeding ecology, it represents the most suitable bird of prey species in continental Europe for monitoring environmental pollutants. We analyzed the levels of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and nonessential heavy metals in organ samples of 62 free-ranging northern goshawks found dead or injured in Germany from 1995 to 2001. Our results indicate significant differences in the contaminant burden of northern goshawks between three regions in Germany. Presumably, these differences were caused by different application periods and legislative restrictions before the German reunion, especially for the use of DDT in agriculture and forestry. Extraordinarily high residues of PCBs and DDE, the main metabolite of DDT, were found mainly in livers of northern goshawks inhabiting Berlin. Body condition is highly negatively correlated with the contamination level of the individual, especially for the persistent and lipophilic organochlorines and for mercury. PCB concentrations in hepatic tissue increase rapidly with age, and birds in their first summer had significantly lower levels than birds in their first winter or older. Adult female northern goshawks from Berlin had significantly higher hepatic concentrations of most of the higher-chlorinated PCBs and of cadmium than males from the same region. Cadmium residues were in general higher in renal tissue than in hepatic tissue, and cadmium levels in kidneys increased with age. Lead concentrations indicative of acute lead poisoning were detected in one bird and suggested in two others. All other heavy metal concentrations were low and represent background levels for birds of prey in Germany.

A global perspective on cadmium pollution and toxicity in non-occupationally exposed population

Cadmium is a non-essential element that has high rates of soil to plant transference compared with other non-essential elements, and certain plant species accumulate large amounts of cadmium from low cadmium content soils. In this paper, levels of cadmium found in major food groups are highlighted together with cadmium levels found in liver and kidney samples from non-occupationally exposed populations. Data on human kidney cadmium levels identified recently, including the study in our own laboratory, are compared with older studies. Human-tissue cadmium contents showed large variations among individuals, but sources of the variation remain unknown. Exposure levels of 30–50 μg per day have been estimated for adults and these levels have been linked to increased risk of bone fracture, cancer, kidney dysfunction and hypertension. Increased mortality was found among individuals showing signs of cadmium renal toxicity compared with those without such signs, suggesting that renal toxicity may be an early warning of complications, sub-clinical or clinical morbidity.

URINARY CADMIUM ELIMINATION AS A BIOMARKER OF EXPOSURE FOR EVALUATING A CADMIUM DIETARY EXPOSURE - BIOKINETICS MODEL

The Cadmium Dietary Exposure Model (CDEM) utilizes national survey data on food cadmium concentrations and food consumption patterns to estimate dietary intakes in the U.S. population. The CDEM has been linked to a modification of the cadmium biokinetic model of Kjellström and Nordberg (KNM) to derive predictions of kidney and urinary cadmium that reflect U.S. dietary cadmium intake and related variability. Variability in dietary cadmium intake was propagated through the KNM using a Monte Carlo approach. The model predicts a mean peak kidney cadmium burden of approximately 3.5 mg and a 5th-95th percentile range of 2.2-5.1 mg in males. The corresponding peak renal cortex cadmium concentration in males is 15 µg/g wet cortex (10-22, 5th-95th percentile). Predicted kidney cadmium levels in females were higher than males: 5.1 (3.3-7.6) mg total kidney, 29 (19-43) µg/g wet cortex. Predicted urinary cadmium in males and females agreed with empirical estimates based on the NHANES III, with females predicted and observed to excrete approximately twice the amount of cadmium in urine than males. An explanation for the higher urinary cadmium excretion in females is proposed that is consistent with the NHANES III data as well as experimental studies in humans and animals. Females may absorb a larger fraction of ingested dietary cadmium than males, and this difference may be the result of lower iron body stores in females compared to males. This would suggest that females may be at greater risk of developing cadmium toxicity than males. The predicted 5th-95th percentile values for peak kidney cadmium burden are approximately 60% of the peak kidney burden (8-11 mg) predicted for a chronic intake at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chronic reference dose of 1 µg/kg-d.

Metal levels in body tissues, forage and fecal pellets of elk ( Cervus elaphus) living near the ore smelters at Sudbury, Ontario

Ontario’s only free-ranging elk herd located at Burwash–French River has been subjected to the influence of historic copper–nickel–iron (Cu–Ni–Fe) ore smelting operations within the Sudbury area. Metal levels in selected body tissues, preferred forage items and fecal pellets were determined, and their potential effects on health and reproductive viability assessed. Significant age effects were apparent in 13 out of 31 tissue metal values obtained, with most age-related differences attributable to elevated concentrations in fetal tissues. Cu and zinc (Zn) levels were four to six times higher in livers and one and a half to two times higher in the bones of fetuses as compared to post-natal animals. Enhanced pre-natal tissue burdens were also noted for cobalt (Co), Ni and lead (Pb) in muscles. However, mean cadmium (Cd) levels in kidney, liver and muscle tissues, as well as hepatic Fe concentrations, showed significant increases with age. Although Cd levels in the kidneys of older elk were still well below the reported threshold for irreversible organ damage, and not considered to be health-threatening, detailed histological study of the cortical tissues for subtle pathotoxicological effects may be warranted. Unlike renal and hepatic tissues, Cd concentrations in skeletal muscle were minimal and within levels considered acceptable for human consumption. Forage species collected in the elk range generally showed higher (two to eight times) Ni and Fe levels than the corresponding plants from a non-contaminated reference site. The highest Ni and Fe burdens were carried by eastern white cedar, a preferred winter food item for elk. No consistent site-related trends were demonstrated by Cu, Zn, Co, Pb, chromium (Cr) and Cd forage levels. Mean metal concentrations in fecal pellets generally exceeded the mean composite forage levels by a factor of 3, except for Ni, which was five times more concentrated in feces. Significantly elevated Ni and Fe levels in preferred browse species and fecal pellets of the Sudbury-area elk could be of concern and warrant further investigation.

Cadmium levels in liver, kidney and meat in calves from Asturias (North Spain)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of cadmium in calves from Asturias and to compare them with the levels reported in other countries and with the maximum tolerance levels in products for human consumption. The Principado de Asturias contains a large mining area and, for that reason, may deserve special attention with regard to possible heavy metal contamination. Samples of liver, kidney and meat from 312 animals aged 6–12 months were collected from the whole region. Samples were acid digested and cadmium concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). A strict analytical quality control was carried out during the study. The average wet weight concentrations in liver, kidney and meat were respectively 30.7 μg/kg, 161 μg/kg and 2.03 μg/kg and the levels found in the different tissues were comparable to those reported from other investigations carried out in different countries in recent years. Only 2.9% of kidneys exceeded the tolerance limits established in the strictest legislation, whereas no samples of liver and meat exceeded the limits.

Cadmium Levels in Feed Components and Kidneys of Growing/Finishing Pigs

Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in pig feeds (one control feed and one feed with reduced nitrogen content), straw, water, and pig kidney cortex were determined in 2 breeds of growing/finishing pigs (n = 96). The total Cd intake from feed was calculated. Feed mixtures and components, straw and kidney cortex samples, and certified reference samples were microwave-digested and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace technique. Total Cd concentration in the control feed was 37.1 micrograms/kg wet weight (w.wt). The highest Cd levels were found in nonlocally produced feed components: vitamin-mineral mixture, lime, dicalcium phosphate, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal. These components contributed 70% of the Cd content in the feed. The main component, barley, which was locally produced, contributed 30% of the total Cd content in feed. The feed with reduced nitrogen content contained less soybean and rapeseed meal and a lower Cd level than the control feed. The Cd levels in kidney cortex varied from 38.0 to 105 micrograms/kg w.wt, with a mean level of 70.9 micrograms/kg. The levels differed between breeds and feeds, but not between gender. There was a significant correlation between Cd level in kidney cortex and age at slaughter, with an increase of 2.8 micrograms/kg w.wt in the kidney for each additional week of survival. The contribution of Cd from nonlocally produced feed components could have environmental effects through application of farmyard manure to local soils.