Detection of lead, chromium and cobalt in meats of cattle and buffalo from retails of Mosul city

Abstract

Lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) were investigated in 160 local and imported meat samples of cattle and buffalo collected from markets of Mosul city by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reported mean concentrations of Pb and Cr in local cattle meat 0.136 and 0.0651 mg/kg, respectively significantly higher than that reported for Co 0.008 mg/kg. In imported cattle meat, results revealed that Pb presented a mean concentration 0.182 mg/kg significantly higher than that presented by Cr and Co 0.0486 and 0.00971 mg/kg, respectively. No significant differences in the mean concentrations of Pb, Cr and Co in local buffalo meat 0.119, 0.0896 and 0.017 mg/kg, respectively, and imported buffalo meat 0.106, 0.102 and 0.041 mg/kg, respectively, were reported. The results revealed that 20% from each local cattle and buffalo meat samples, 12.5% from imported cattle meat and 22.5% from imported buffalo meat were exceeded the maximum permissible limit for lead in meat. Concerning Cr, 2.5% from imported cattle meat and 5% from each of local and imported buffalo meat surpassed the maximum acceptable limit. Ultimately, results showed that all samples of local and imported cattle and buffalo meat were within the maximum allowable limits for Co. The hazards of metals on public health was discussed.