Level of Selected Heavy Metals in Liver and Muscles of Cow Meat Sold in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Seiyaboh EI, Kigigha LT, Ar

Abstract

This study evaluated the level of some selected heavy metals in liver and muscle of cow meat sold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Replicate samples of liver and muscles were purchased from Etegwe Junction market in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The samples were dry-ashed, digested and analyzed using flame atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. Results showed mean manganese, copper, chromium, zinc and iron were 2.62 ± 0.23 mg/kg, 140.15 ± 18.15 mg/kg, <0.001 mg/kg, 53.42 ± 2.29 mg/kg and 654.65 ± 22.54 mg/kg respectively (liver) and 0.87 ± 0.10 mg/kg, 1.27 ± 0.40 mg/kg, <0.001 mg/kg, 38.07 ± 1.55 mg/kg and 43.82 ± 0.47 mg/kg respectively (muscle). Statistically, there was significant variations (P<0.05) among the heavy metals concentration in liver and muscle. Copper, iron and zinc concentration were above recommended level for beef as specified by World Health Organization. The implications of possible source of heavy metals in meat are from the food sources, vegetation and drinking water was discussed.