Mean Concentrations Of Cadmium Research Articles

Prevalence of Cadmium and Lead Residues in Fried Meat (Suya) Sold in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel as it provides the first comprehensive analysis of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contamination in various types of suya meat in Kaduna, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Unlike previous research, this study uniquely examines multiple animal sources and local government areas, offering a detailed comparison of contamination levels across species and regions. Additionally, the findings highlight the widespread public health risk due to Cd and Pb levels exceeding international safety standards, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate environmental pollution and protect public health. Full Abstract Heavy metals are of public health concern worldwide due to their damaging effects on human and animal health. The study was aimed at analyzing the presence of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) residues in suya meats; cattle meat (beef), sheep meat (mutton), goat meat (chevon), fowl meat (chicken) and dog meat sold in the Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State. A descriptive-quantitative research design was used, with fifty samples collected from four Local Government Areas (Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna North and Kaduna South). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery was used to analyze and quantify the presence of these heavy metals. Microsoft Excel (Version 2019) and one-way ANOVA are the statistical tools used for result analysis and Cd and Pb were found to be present in all the suya samples analyzed. The results showed statistical significance (p<0.05) between the overall mean concentration of Cd (0.049 mg/kg) and Pb (0.44 mg/kg) in the samples. Even though the mean concentration of Cd in suya samples varied with regards to which the animal originates viz: cattle (0.033 mg/kg), sheep (0.058 mg/kg), goat (0.048 mg/kg), dog (0.04 mg/kg) and chicken (0.078 mg/kg); likewise that of Pb: cattle (0.47 mg/kg), sheep (0.41 mg/kg), goat (0.41 mg/kg), dog (0.39 mg/kg) and chicken (0.51 mg/kg); the animal species from which the meat used in making the suya had no statistically significant influence on the heavy metal content of the meat (p˃0.05). The mean concentration of Cd and Pb obtained within the study areas, in mg/kg were: Chikun (0.046 and 0.43), Igabi (0.044 and 0.43), Kaduna North (0.054 mg/kg) and (0.49 mg/kg), Kaduna South (0.053 mg/kg) and (0.41 mg/kg) respectively. The mean concentration of cadmium and lead in the suya samples was above the permissible limits set by EC and FAO limits of 0.01ug/g lead and 0.003ug/g for cadmium (FAO, 1983), indicating the general contamination of suya meats by heavy metals. The study recommends public measures to minimize environmental pollution and bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb to prevent related ailments and mortality; enforcing regulations governing industrial activities and waste disposal to protect the public from heavy metals pollution.

Element Concentrations and Histopathology of Liver and Kidney in West Greenland Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida).

Ringed seals are consumed in Greenland and are therefore included as a key biomonitoring species with the focus on pollution exposure and health effects. Ringed seals in Central West Greenland (Qeqertarsuaq) and in North West Greenland (Qaanaaq) were analyzed for metal concentrations in the liver and histological changes in the liver and kidney. The mean liver concentration of mercury in Qaanaaq was 3.73 ± 5.01 µg/g ww (range: 0.28-23.29 µg/g ww), and the mean cadmium concentration was 7.80 ± 8.95 µg/g ww (range: 0.013-38.79 µg/g ww). For Qeqertarsuaq, the liver concentration of mercury was 1.78 ± 1.70 µg/g ww (range: 0.45-8.00 µg/g ww) and the mean cadmium concentration was 11.58 ± 6.32 µg/g ww (range: 0.11-25.45 µg/g ww). Age had a positive effect on the liver concentrations of metals, while no effect was found for sex or histological changes. The prevalence of histological changes in liver tissue decreased in the following order: random pattern mononuclear cell infiltration (92.1%), portal cell infiltration (68.4%), hepatic intracellular fat (18.4%), portal fibrosis (7.9%), focal hepatic fibrosis (7.9%), bile duct hyperplasia/fibrosis (7.9%) and lipid granuloma (2.6%). For kidney tissue, the prevalence of histological changes decreased in the following order: glomerular mesangial deposits (54.1%) > glomerular basement membrane thickening (45.9%) > THD (40%) > tubular hyaline casts (14.0%) > glomerular atrophy (13.5%) > dilated tubules (13.5%) > glomerular hyper-cellularity (10.8%) > mononuclear cell infiltrations (8.1%).

Heavy Metal Pollution Status in The Main Surface Waters of The N'djili River Basin in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Review with Application and Evaluation of Pollution Indices Evaluation

The aim of this study was to assess heavy metal pollution in the surface waters of the N'djili river watershed, as well as to determine the main sources of this pollution and their impact on water quality. Five sampling sites were selected in the watershed, representing a variety of urban and industrial influences. In these samples, trace metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The respective mean concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in the surface waters of the N'djili basin are 0.066 mg/L, 0.006 mg/L and 0.310 mg/L. The mean value of the degree of contamination (Dc) in the surface waters of the N'djili basin is greater than 3, indicating heavy contamination of these waters (Lukaya river, Matete river, N'djili river, Ntshuenge river, Ngwele river). The average values of for the trace metal pollution index (HPI) are below the threshold value of 100, so overall, these waters are not very polluted. Nevertheless, particularly high concentrations were observed in the waters of the Matete River, with values exceeding 100, indicating severe localized pollution. Correlation analysis between trace metals and HPI indicates that lead and cadmium are the main contributors to surface water toxicity in the N'djili basin. These results highlight the urgent need to develop targeted strategies to reduce pollution in order to preserve public health and aquatic ecosystems.

Survey of rice (Oryza sativa L.) production ecosystems in northern Ghana confirms low risk of exposure to potential toxic elements from local grain consumption

Expanding local rice production to meet consumer demand is a priority action under the Government of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. While studies on yield-enhancing interventions abound, fewer studies focus on food safety issues (e.g., the potential toxic element status of the production ecosystems). This study was, therefore, conducted to bridge the knowledge gap. Chemical analyses were conducted on water, soil, and rice grain samples from different production ecosystems in the Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana. Statistical analysis of the data showed that soil and rice grain arsenic concentrations were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in the Upper East region. In the Northern region, mean cadmium concentration in rice grains from the irrigated lowland fields (0.023±0.003 mg/kg) was significantly higher than in grains from the rainfed fields. All recorded concentrations of rice grain arsenic, cadmium, and lead were, however, within permissible limits, indicating a low risk of dietary exposure. The observed differences in concentrations within and between regions suggest that soil texture and other geogenic factors could influence the potential toxic element status of the rice production ecosystems. Regular monitoring is, therefore, recommended to maintain the safety of Ghana’s locally produced rice for human consumption.

Accumulation Detection of Cadmium in some land-use soil of Baghdad city, Iraq

This study aims to detect cadmium accumulation in the soil of Baghdad. Twenty soil samples were collected randomly during November 2020 to cover the study area, emphasizing the nature of each area (agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, roadside, and waste dumping sites). All soil samples were subjected to geochemical analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASS) to determine the concentration of cadmium in Baghdad soil. The laboratory data was utilized to design the spatial analysis map using Arc GIS 10.4.1 to investigate the spatial distribution of cadmium. The results demonstrated that the total content of cadmium in the study area ranged from 0.121to 1.78 mg/kg. All results of cadmium concentrations are within the allowable limits of WHO (3 mg/kg), and the mean concentration of cadmium according to the type of land use is shown by the following decreasing order: roadside > agricultural areas > residential areas > industrial areas >waste dumping site> commercial. In addition, the spatial analysis map showed the accumulation of cadmium concentration on the Al-Karkh side than on the Al-Rissafa side of Baghdad city. A comparison between cadmium concentration in the soil of some land- use for the current study and cadmium concentration in previous studies showed that the concentration of cadmium decreased from previous years, except roadside sites recorded a higher cadmium concentration than the cadmium concentration of roadside areas according to [12].

Heavy metal concentrations in Caspian pond turtle (Mauremys caspica) in Zarivar International Wetland, Kurdistan Province of Iran.

In the present study, the cadmium, lead, and zinc levels in the blood and shell of Caspian pond turtles (Mauremys caspica) were investigated at five stations in Zarivar International Wetland in Kurdistan Province. All specimens were released at their capture locations within 2h of capture. Water samples were collected at each station. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations were 0.04, 32.10, and 11.45mg/l in blood samples; 1.82, 16.91, and 89.22mg/l in shell samples; 0.005, 1.30, and 0.07mg/l in water samples, respectively. In this study, the highest metal adsorption was zinc and was observed in shell. According to the results of this study, the shell of the Caspian Pond Turtle can be used to estimate the concentration of heavy metals. Our results suggest that Caspian pond turtle can be used as a biological indicator to estimate heavy metals.

Pre-to-post COVID-19 lockdown and their environmental impacts on Ghoghla beach and Somnath beach, India.

Environmental impact of COVID-19 imposed lockdown (2020) and the new normal condition (2021) on two different beaches of India (Ghoghla beach, Diu and Somnath beach, Veraval) were compared with the pre-lockdown era, 2013. The lockdown phase favored the natural restoration of the beaches and showed infinitesimal values of the parameters tested when compared with the pre-lockdown regime. However, the new normal situation in 2021 opened up the accessibility of these beaches to the tourists and pilgrims resulting in significant changes of water quality. The release of diluted sewage mixed with freshwater from the Somnath town to the sea has led to the drastic change in beach water quality. The mean cadmium concentration increased drastically in beach waters (Ghoghla: 1.35, 0.28 and 7.09 μg/L; Somnath: 0.45, 0.28 and 0.58 μg/L) during pre-to-post lockdown, respectively. However, post-lockdown resulted in the rise of toxic heavy metals in the sediments of Somnath beach but Ghoghla beach remained to be pristine which may be due to the Blue Flagship status. The total number of marine bacteria was higher during 2013 and 2021 when compared during lockdown describing greater human interventions. For instance, Vibrio spp. count in Ghoghla beach water during pre-lockdown phase was 7733 CFU/mL and this value reduced to 70 and 5 CFU/mL in the lockdown and post-lockdown phases. Interestingly, the diversity of planktonic and benthic components showed a different trend from pre-to-post lockdown due to significant change in the inorganic nutrients and metal bioaccumulation. To our knowledge, this will be the first comprehensive assessment to report the environmental and ecological health of Ghoghla beach and Somnath beach during the pre-to-post lockdown.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-21586-z.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals from meat and offal of reindeer and cow in the Far North of European Russia.

This study aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Northwestern Russia, and to assess the risk to the health of the indigenous population associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic concentrations were measured in 39 muscle, 15 liver, and 14 kidney samples from reindeer and 33, 18, and 12 corresponding samples from cow in 2014-2016 using atomic absorption spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of investigated heavy metals, hazard quotient, hazard index and cancer risk were calculated. Mean cadmium and mercury concentrations in reindeer liver and kidney exceeded the maximum permissible levels for bovine animals. However, the estimated daily intakes of heavy metals through consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal were lower than tolerable daily intakes. Hazard quotient and hazard index values for heavy metals in reindeer and cow samples were <1. Hazard index values were in descending order: reindeer kidney (0.389)>reindeer muscle (0.382)>cow muscle (0.088)>reindeer liver (0.051)>cow kidney (0.012)>cow liver (0.004). The cancer risk related to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal did not exceed acceptable levels. There is no human health risk associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Cadmium Level Status in Iranian Breast Milk: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Due to the lack of a systematic review on cadmium status in breast milk of Iranian mothers, this study was designed to evaluate the published articles on factors affecting the exposure and the levels of cadmium in breast milk. Methods: In this study, English and Farsi electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Magiran, Iran Medex and SID were comprehensively searched for papers published from July 2009 until May 2021. The PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews were followed for screening and reviewing the processes involved in this study. Results: From 102 articles found in the initial search, 9 studies were included in systematic review. The highest mean cadmium concentration was related to milk samples collected from Kerman City. Among study factors, the exposure to cigarette smoke, living near industrial centers and maternal nutrition had a significant effect on increasing the concentration of cadmium in breast milk. Conclusion: Further studies are demanded to obtain more comprehensive and reliable results on the status of cadmium in breast milk of Iranian mothers.

Heavy metal contamination and antibiotic residues in poultry feed and meat in Bangladesh

Presence of harmful contaminants and residues in poultry feed and meat have serious public health consequence. This study was carried out to identify and quantify antibiotic residues, heavy metals and toxins in poultry feed and meat in the two selected poultry production belts of Bangladesh. A total of 94 broiler feed samples and 60 broiler meat samples were collected and tested by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for identification and quantification of the parameters. Antibiotic residues were detected in 18.89% of the feed samples, whereas, there were no toxin (Aflatoxin) positive samples. Among the antibiotic positive samples, Oxytetracycline (OTC) was found predominant and detected in 12.22% cases. The mean concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) were found as 0.04 mg/kg, 1.28 mg/kg and 2.55 mg/kg respectively in feed samples. In the case of meat samples, the mean concentration of OTC, Ciprofloxacin (CIP), and Tetracycline (TCL) residues were found 8.67 ppb, 7.18 ppb and 0.81 ppb accordingly. The highest mean concentration of Oxytetracycline (OTC) (10.15 ppb) was found in samples collected from local poultry sellers, whereas, the highest mean concentration of Tetracycline (TCL) (1.35 ppb) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) (10.62 ppb) were observed in the samples obtained from local farm. The highest percentage of TCL and CIP (64% and 48% respectively) were found in samples collected from local farm. Chlortetracycline (CTC) was found predominant (70%) in samples collected from Contract farms. On the other hand, out of 60 meat samples, Cd and Cr were detected in only one meat sample with concentration of 56.41 mg/kg and 14.44 mg/kg respectively. Lead was not detected in any of the meat samples. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2021, 5 (2), 71-78

Accumulation and Bioavailability of Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Lead and Zinc) in Water and Sediment Samples in the Musa Creek, Northwest Coasts of the Persian Gulf

The current study aimed to investigate the total concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment samples as well as their bioavailability in sediments of Musa Creek. Twenty samples including 10 sediments and 10 water samples were collected from 10 stations. The concentration of heavy metals was measured using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The bioavailability of heavy metals was carried out by first step of Tessier sequential extraction method so called single extraction in the manuscript. The results showed that the mean concentrations of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc in water samples was 0.17, 7.44, 43.80, and 8.85 µg/L, respectively. The concentration of lead was lower than the detection limit of the 0.1 µg/L. The positive correlation of heavy metals in water samples is due to their potential common source. The negative correlation of nickel with other elements in sediment samples indicates that, apart from the industrial activity in the region, the geogenic origin affects the concentration of metals. The factor analysis showed two components. The first component was lead, zinc, chromium, and cadmium with the common source (s) and nickel was the second component with geogenic origin. The high concentrations of heavy metals in the exchangeable phase of Tessier sequential extraction showed that the bioavailability of the elements in sediment samples, especially lead and zinc is at a high level that could be a serious threat to the aquatics of the region. Keywords: Heavy metals, Musa Creek, Bioavailability, Single extraction

Assessment of Dissolved Metals/Metalloids in the Eastern Black Sea Rivers of Turkey

There are many fresh water inputs to the Black Sea that differ significantly from each other in terms of both the water level and the extent of the river basin. Seasonal distributions of dissolved metal/metalloid concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) in 13 rivers (Kizilirmak, Yesilirmak, Melet, Pazarsuyu, Aksu, Harsit, Degirmendere, Solakli, Iyidere, Buyukdere, Firtina, Caglayan, and Kapistre) discharge of waters to Eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey and the results were compared in this study. The highest mean levels were found as aluminium (Al): 174 μg/L, chromium (Cr): 1.02 μg/L, manganese (Mn): 56 μg/L, copper (Cu): 3.2 μg/L, lead (Pb): 0.37 μg/L in Melet and iron (Fe): 130 μg/L, arsenic (As): 3.9 μg/L, antimony (Sb): 2.2 μg/L in Yesilirmak and cobalt (Co): 0.20 μg/L, nickel (Ni): 3.4 μg/L, molybdenum (Mo): 1.5 μg/L in Kizilirmak rivers. The highest mean concentration of zinc (Zn): 68 μg/L was determined in Degirmendere and the highest mean cadmium (Cd) concentration (0.29 μg/L) was measured in Harsit. The lowest average Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations were detected in the Caglayan. The rivers were grouped in three separate groups according to PCA analysis. The abundance of As, Ni, Co, Sb, Mo, Cr elements were higher in the first group of rivers characterized by a large river basin, while the abundance of Al, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb elements was higher in the second group of rivers with high erosional effect. The average manganese (Mn) profile in the Melet has been identified as above the legal limits for drinking water determined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Commission (EC). The Yesilirmak in terms of antimony (Sb), and the Yesilirmak and the Kizilirmak in terms of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) differs greatly compared to other rivers. The highest average Sb concentration had been identified in autumn. Arsenic concentrations of the Kizilirmak and the Yesilirmak were higher than other rivers in all seasons. It has been determined that the extent and geological structures of the river basins and erosional transport play an important role in the classification of rivers in terms of metal/metalloid contents. It has also been shown that knowing the spatial and temporal changes of the water quality of rivers is essential for future projections and protection.

A Comparative Study on Presence of Heavy Metals Lead and Cadmium in Tomato Ketchups used by Street Vendors of Delhi NCR

Background: From past few years food safety has emerged as publichealth issue and has diverted attention of researchers towards healthhazard associated with food contamination. Food contamination is amajor concern of street food industry serving as a source of food topeople. Tomato ketchup is consumed by all age groups along numerousproducts, sold by street vendors. Tomatoes are preserved in the formof ketchups.Methodology: A total of 12 samples were collected, 3 each from Delhi,Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad respectively. The procured samples werethen analysed for the presence of heavy metals lead and cadmiumusing Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Result: The mean concentration of cadmium in all samples was BelowDetectable Limit (BDL).Whereas, mean concentration of lead washighest in the regions of Delhi i.e., 0.183ppm followed by regions ofNoida (0.096ppm), Faridabad (0.089ppm) and Gurugram (0.031 ppm).Conclusion: The cadmium concentration in samples were belowpermissible limit whereas mean concentration of samples in regionof Delhi, Faridabad and Noida exceeded the levels set by WHO/ FAOjoint committee. So, excess or prolong consumption may cause toxicityor health hazards.

A Comparative Study of the Heavy Metals in the Meat of Chickens in Different Cities of Pakistan. A Review

The quality of food stuff is the main concern of everyone and scientific community is busy in monitoring and ensuring the quality. The aim of this review is study the importance of heavy metals in and the concentrations of these in the meat of chickens. The data of heavy metals concentration (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni) in chicken meat determined in various cities of Pakistan such as Karachi, Kohat, Lahore and Kasur city is presented in this review and a comparison study is conducted among the results. The mean accumulation of lead was observed the highest in the research study performed in Lahore of four cities of Pakistan due to the lead contaminated chicken food while that of Karachi was observed the lowest mean level of Pb of all. Kohat was found second to all. The mean concentration of cadmium was observed the highest level in Kohat, because the main source of cadmium is food, among all concerned cities of Pakistan. The research study in Karachi was observed the lowest amount of cadmium in liver. However, no any significant difference of Cd in liver between Lahore and Kasur was observed. The mean concentration of Zn was observed the highest in the liver of Lahore as source of the metals are chicken food than other studies compared. The mean levels of zinc in study of Karachi were observed the lowest of all. On the other hand, the mean accumulation of nickel was observed highest in Karachi due to the industrial wastes that contaminate the chicken food, among the already performed studies of all three cities while Kohat study result was observed the lowest mean concentration of nickel among the three.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals exposure (lead, cadmium, and copper) through drinking water consumption in Kerman city, Iran

This investigation has been conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and copper in the drinking water in Kerman city, Iran. In this descriptive cross-sectional research, there have been 160 samples of tap water and 64 samples of bottled water brands collected to achieve comparable results. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer has been used to measure the concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) indexes have been used to evaluate the human health risk. The results showed that the mean concentrations of lead metal in tap water have been higher than the recommended quantity based on the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and USEPA. The mean concentrations of cadmium and copper in urban tap water have been in the acceptable ranges defined by Iranian National Standards, WHO and USEPA. Likewise, the target heavy metals concentrations in the bottled water have been conformed to these standard limits. Although there is no potential risk of carcinogenic detrimental health effect in children and adult groups, the children group consuming the drinking water are at the risk of non-carcinogenic adverse health effect. It is recommended that the heavy metals concentrations in drinking water are periodically monitored to minimize the environmental pollutions and health risks in consumers.

Cadmium, mercury, and selenium in muscle of the scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini from the tropical Eastern Pacific: Variation with age, molar ratios and human health risk.

With the aim of assessing health risk to shark consumers, cadmium, mercury, and selenium were measured in muscle of Sphyrna lewini from four coastal states (Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Colima) in western Mexico. According to length of specimens, three age modes were found: juveniles and neonates (the majority of the individuals), preadults and adults. Average concentrations (μg g-1 dry weight) in all the studied individuals followed the order cadmium (0.06), selenium (0.94), and mercury (1.56). The mean concentrations of cadmium and mercury increased significantly (p < 0.001) with mean length of specimens. Overall, hazard quotient and hazard index values were below one so there is no health risk to consumers. According to molar ratios of Hg and Se in the edible portion (muscle) of sharks, and depending on the areas of collection, individuals from Baja California Sur might not be beneficial to consumers.

Radioisotope and Metal Concentrations in Borehole Water Samples of Umuahia and Umudike, Nigeria

The study examined metal and radioisotope concentrations in boreholes water samples collected from the neighbouring towns of in Umuahia and Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Triplicate samples were collected from seventeen functional boreholes and were analyzed with standard methods for physicochemical parameters. Metal concentrations were analyzed with Graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while radioisotopes were determined with gamma ray spectrometry. Results showed that mean values for conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids, hardness and nitrates were lower than recommended values by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). However, mean values for pH (range: 3.05±0.11 – 4.51±0.08) were in the acidic region and outside the recommended values. Mean metal concentrations had ranges of: calcium 1.255±0.037 – 1.967±0.078 mg/L; magnesium 0.286±0.057 – 0.608±0.094 mg/L; sodium 0.030±0.005 – 0.102±0.029 mg/L; iron 0.012±0.001 – 0.019±0.004 mg/L; cadmium 0.001±0.000 – 0.011±0.003 mg/L and lead (Pb) 0.077±0.005 – 0.198±0.040 mg/L. The mean concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron were all below the NSDWQ limits. However, while mean cadmium concentrations exceeded SON limits in 13 locations, mean lead concentrations were above the limits set by WHO and SON in the samples from all the boreholes. The mean activity concentrations K-40, U-238 and Th-232 had ranges of below detection limit (BDL) – 21.94±2.50 Bq/L; BDL – 7.85 ±1.80 Bq/L and BDL – 5.76 ±0.53 respectively. The SON maximum level for radionuclides in water is 0.1 Bq/L while the WHO limits for U-238 and Th-232 are 10 and 1 Bq/L respectively. The activity concentrations of U-238 were below the WHO limits but the limits were exceeded for Th-232 in water samples from eight locations. The NSDWQ limits were exceeded in samples from most of the locations for K-40.Keywords: Metals, radioisotopes, water, Umuahia, Umudike,

Influence of the sex and type of tissue on the basic chemical composition and the content of minerals in the sirloin and offal of fattener pigs

The aim of the study was to determine the basic chemical composition and mineral content in the sirloin and offal of fattener pigs, taking their sex into consideration. In addition, comparative analysis of the content of chemical and mineral components in the sirloin and offal was performed. The experimental material included 24 crossbred (Polish Landrace × Polish Large White) fatteners, from which samples of sirloin (musculus longissimus lumborum), liver, heart, and kidneys were collected for the analysis. A significant effect of the sex on the fat content in the sirloin and liver and on the level of magnesium (Mg), zinc, and iron (Fe) in the sirloin was demonstrated. Significant differences were found in the basic chemical composition and mineral content between the sirloin and the offal. In comparison with the liver, the sirloin contained lower amounts of protein and fat and higher potassium and Mg contents. In turn, the offal was shown to be a rich source of sodium, calcium, and trace elements (Fe, manganese, and copper). The mean cadmium concentration in the sirloin and offal was significantly lower than the threshold values for these elements, i.e., it accounted for 26% and 6.2% (liver)–19.5% (heart) of the allowable content of this element in pork meat and offal.

Cadmium in Groundwater Consumed in the Rural Areas of Gonabad and Bajestan, Iran: Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment.

Evidences show that high levels of cadmium intake may be contributing to a wide range of deleterious health effects. This study was performed to estimate the concentration of cadmium and the health risk to human by cadmium through the ingestion of groundwater in 39 rural areas of Gonabad and Bajestan, eastern Iran. The mean cadmium concentrations in groundwater in the studied rural areas of Gonabad and Bajestan ranged from 0.087 to 14.32μg/L and from 0.417 to 18.36μg/L, respectively. Health risk quotient for cadmium contamination for 16 and 38% of children and infants in rural areas of Gonabad and Bajestan, respectively, was more than 1 which causes non-carcinogenic risk to the local population. The carcinogenic risk of cadmium in drinking water for adults, children, and infants in 16, 33, and 33% of studied rural areas of Gonabad and Bajestan, respectively, was higher than the safe limit of 1.0 × 10-4. For rural areas of Bajestan, the cancer risk in 42, 52, and 52% of adults, children, and infants was above the safe limit. It was strongly suggested that the accessible procedures of treatment should be taken for a portion of contaminated rural areas before the distribution of the groundwater for the local population.

Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals in Some Organs of Three Selected Fish of Commercial Importance from Niger River, Onitsha Shelf, Anambra State, Nigeria

The present study reports the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in the gills, muscles and intestine of Tilapia zillii, Malapterurus electricus and Clarias gariepinus sampled from fishermen at Niger River, Onitsha shelf. Heavy metals in gills, muscles and intestine of fishes was investigated using Varian AA240 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Mean cadmium concentration in the fish organs was highest (0.068 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in the gills and lowest (0.040 ± 0.01 mg/kg) in the muscles. The descending order of mean cadmium concentration in the organs is gills > intestine > muscles. T. zillii and C. gariepinus had the maximum and minimum mean cadmium concentration of 0.087 ± 0.04 mg/kg and 0.043 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Cadmium concentration in the fish organs were lower than the FAO/WHO standard for seafood, thus the fishes with this levels of heavy metals are safe for human consumption. The mean concentration of zinc in the organs of the studied fish species was highest (8.180 ± 3.508 mg/kg) in intestine and lowest (4.176 ± 1.091 mg/ kg) in the muscles. The descending order was intestine > gills > muscles. Mean zinc concentration was maximum (8.848 ± 3.39 mg/kg) in T. zillii and minimum (5.084 ± 1.17 mg/kg) in M. electricus. These values were below the FAO/WHO recommended standard limit of zinc (10–20 mg/kg) in fish samples. Lead and mercury were not detected in any of the fish. The result obtained in this study, revealed that Niger River is contaminated to varying levels by zinc and cadmium. Control measures recommended include public enlightenment on the need to desist from anthropogenic activities that could lead to water pollution.