Accumulation of trace elements in cattle from rural and industrial areas in Belgium

Trace element concentrations were determined in meat, kidney and liver tissue of cattle, which had resided more than 18 months in areas historically contaminated by emissions from the non-ferrous metal industry or in regions with normal background metal contamination levels in Belgium. Trace element levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Lead, arsenic and cadmium concentrations in meat were low for all cattle. Concentrations in kidneys were, respectively, 1.8-, 2.2- and 2.5-fold higher in cattle from the contaminated areas compared to animals from reference areas. The European maximum level for cadmium in kidney was exceeded by 75% of the kidneys from contaminated areas and 47% of the kidneys from reference areas. Lead, arsenic and cadmium concentrations in bovine livers from contaminated areas were increased by a factor of 2.3. Zinc levels in livers and kidneys were within normal ranges, but 20% higher in the contaminated areas compared to reference areas. Copper levels in livers were high in all areas. Dairy cattle accumulated significantly higher levels of cadmium in kidneys and of lead in liver and kidneys than did beef cattle.     

Chemical composition of wild boar meat and relationship between age and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in muscle and liver tissue

This study determined the accumulation of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and As) in tissues of wild boar. The tested animals were divided into three age groups, which allowed analysis of the statistical/mathematical relationship between their age and contamination of their tissues. For determination of heavy metal content, samples were taken from the longissimus muscle of the back and from the tail lobe of the liver. It has been stated that, in wild boar, accumulation of lead and cadmium in muscle and liver increases with age. However, statistical differences were found most frequently between the youngest and oldest animal groups only. Moreover, in no single case, was the maximum permissible level exceeded in muscle for lead, cadmium or mercury, and arsenic was not detected above 0.001 mg/kg. In the >3 year group, the maximum permissible level of cadmium (0.5 mg/kg) was exceeded in two liver samples.     

Correlation of lead,cadmium and mercury levels in tissue and liver samples with age in cattle

The aim of this study was to determine the accumulation of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) in meat and liver of cattle. The animals were divided into four age-groups which allowed the analysis of statistical–mathematical correlations between the age of the animals and contamination of meat. The research material for determination of heavy metal levels was taken from the longissimus back muscle (m. longissimus dorsi) and samples from the tail lobe of the liver. Analysis showed that contamination by Cd and Pb is clearly dependent on the age of the animal.     

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers and kidneys of sheep slaughtered in The Netherlands

The results obtained between 1981 and 1986 in a Dutch monitoring programme investigating the presence of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers and kidneys of sheep are presented. For the meat, livers and kidneys, the median values were 0.001, 0.003, and 0.007 mg/kg (fresh weight) for arsenic; 0.003, 0.054, and 0.098 mg/kg for cadmium; 0.04, 0.85, and 0.36 mg/kg for lead; and 0.001, 0.002, and 0.007 mg/kg for mercury. During the reported period, no clear trends were observed. The results are compared with the data from other countries. The mercury and arsenic concentrations in meat and organs may be regarded as low, but the levels of lead in livers are relatively high. The lead concentrations in livers showed seasonal fluctuations, the highest concentrations usually being found during the winter. Significant linear relationships were found between the concentrations in livers and kidneys for arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Tissue trace element levels were not related to the age of the investigated animals.     

我国与南方共同市场动物源性食品中重金属限量标准的对比分析

目的探究我国与南共市动物源性食品重金属限量标准的异同。方法根据GB 2762—2014《食品安全国家标准食品中污染物限量》以及南共市在2013年8月29日第42号合议理事会决议中制定的南方共同市场关于食品中无机污染物最大限量的技术法规,分析2个标准重金属检测项目、涉及动物源性食品种类和主要动物源性食品限量指标的异同。结果我国在动物源性食品重金属检测项目和涉及动物源性食品种类上均比南共市规定的多。在限量指标方面,南共市水产动物及其制品的砷限量、肉及肉制品、水产动物及其制品和蛋及蛋制品中铅限量、畜禽肾脏中的镉限量均比中国规定宽松。结论我国监管部门应对南共市规定较为宽松的检测项目予以关注。     

Mercury residues in free-grazing cattle and domestic fowl form the artisanal gold mining area of Geita district,Tanzania

Environmental contamination with mercury from artisanal gold mines in Tanzania has been widely reported. People living around mining villages keep domestic animals which are allowed to feed freely in mercury-contaminated areas. This study investigated Hg accumulation in the liver and muscle tissue of cattle and domestic fowl reared in mining villages. Total mercury levels up to 436 and 820 µg/kg wet weight were found in liver samples taken from cattle and domestic fowl, respectively. Significantly higher mercury concentrations were found in liver samples collected at mining villages (p < 0.05) than those taken from the reference area. While mercury concentrations in liver samples exceeded the acceptable maximum concentrations for humans set in the Netherlands and Poland, the Hg concentrations in muscle were below the limits of most countries. It is recommended that the keeping of freely grazing cattle and domestic fowl in or around artisanal gold mines should be avoided.     

Lead,cadmium and chromium in raw and boiled portions of Norway lobster

Lead, cadmium and chromium levels were determined in different raw and boiled portions of Norway lobster caught in the central Adriatic Sea (Italy). In raw specimens, the lowest concentrations were always detected in the white meat. Lead and cadmium content in the edible portion never exceeded the maximum levels set by European legislation. The highest cadmium and chromium values (0.47 ± 0.04 and 0.62 ± 0.13 mg/kg wet weight, respectively) were detected in the brown meat, while the highest lead concentrations were found in the exoskeleton (0.21 ± 0.01 mg/kg wet weight). Also, the boiled samples showed the lowest metal levels in the white meat, even if a significant increase (p < 0.01) was found for lead and cadmium compared to the corresponding raw portions. Among metals, chromium showed the highest concentrations in both raw and boiled portions, but up to now, the European legislation did not envisage any limits in seafood.     

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers and kidneys of cattle slaughtered in The Netherlands during 1980-1985

The results obtained between 1980 and 1985 in a Dutch monitoring programme investigating the presence of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic in meat, livers and kidneys of cattle are presented. During the period of investigation no clear trends were observed in the metal concentrations, except for lead in kidneys, for which the average concentration decreased from 0.48 mg/kg in 1980 to 0.24 mg/kg in 1985. The average cadmium and lead concentrations found in livers and kidneys in the present study were lower than those obtained for Dutch cattle investigated between 1970 and 1980. In general the metal concentrations found were in good agreement with data reported for other countries. The provisional Dutch legal limits for heavy metals in foods were exceeded only for cadmium in 2 kidney samples. Significant linear relations were found between the concentrations in livers and kidneys for arsenic, cadmium and lead. Significant relations were found also between the cadmium and lead concentrations in livers and between the cadmium levels in livers and kidneys and the age of the animals investigated.     

Mercury and methylmercury bioaccessibility in swordfish

Concentrations of mercury (Hg) in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) present a food safety problem for many countries. This study analyses total Hg (t-Hg) concentrations in 27 samples of swordfish marketed in Spain in 2005 and in their bioaccessible fractions (soluble concentration in gastrointestinal medium), obtained after applying an in vitro digestion method. Methylmercury (MeHg) was also determined in the bioaccessible fractions. t-Hg concentrations in the samples were 0.41–2.11 mg kg^?1 wet weight, with a mean of 0.96 ± 0.47 mg kg^?1 wet weight. A total of 37% of the samples exceeded the Hg limit set by Spanish legislation (1.0 mg kg^?1 wet weight). Bioaccessible t-Hg concentrations were 0.17–1.72 mg kg^?1 wet weight (0.63 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1 wet weight), corresponding to 38–83% (64% ± 14%) of t-Hg. Bioaccessible MeHg concentrations, representing 94% of the bioaccessible t-Hg concentrations, were 0.16–1.53 mg kg^?1 wet weight, with a mean of 0.49 ± 0.32 mg kg^?1 wet weight. Children and adults who regularly consume this product in Spain have Hg and MeHg intakes that exceed the tolerable daily intake limits recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). These results show the need for recommendations about swordfish consumption by population groups at risk in Spain.     

Cadmium and lead in female cattle livers and kidneys from Vojvodina,northern Serbia

ABSTRACT

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in livers (n = 52) and kidneys (n = 52) of female cattle (345–2717 days old) from dairy farms in the region Vojvodina. Cd and Pb were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, after microwave digestion. Cd and Pb concentrations did not exceed the Serbian and European maximum set limits in any sample. The Cd concentrations in the livers and kidneys ranged from 0.033 to 0.151 mg kg^?1 wet weight and from 0.055 to 0.510 mg kg^?1 wet weight, respectively. The corresponding Pb concentrations were 0.015-0.159 mg kg^?1 wet weight and 0.021-0.196 mg kg^?1 wet weight, respectively. Mean Cd and Pb concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the liver (0.072 and 0.053 mg kg^?1 wet weight) than in the kidney (0.190 and 0.075 mg kg^?1 wet weight). There were good correlations between Cd in liver and Cd in kidney, Pb in liver and Pb in kidney, Cd level and age and Pb level and age in both tissues.     

Contribution of cattle products to dietary intake of trace and toxic elements in Galicia, Spain

In Galicia, Spain, liver copper concentrations, muscle zinc concentrations and kidney cadmium concentrations (in adult cattle) can exceed acceptable maximum concentrations which have been adopted by some countries. The aim was to calculate the contribution of cattle products to the daily intake of trace and toxic metals by humans in Galicia and to evaluate whether there was any health risk to consumers. This was done by comparing calculated intakes with published acceptable daily intake rates for toxic elements and with the accepted safe ranges for population mean intakes of the essential metals. Typically, the contribution of cattle meat and offal to the daily cadmium, lead and arsenic intake of people in Galicia was minimal because offal is rarely eaten. However, liver from older cattle, especially animals from relatively contaminated areas, could pose a health risk if offal was consumed in substantial quantities. Muscle and liver from Galician cattle that exceeded acceptable maximum concentrations for copper and zinc did not pose a risk to human health.     

Cadmium concentrations in the liver of 10 different pig genetic lines from Vojvodina,Serbia

Cadmium concentrations were determined in 480 liver samples from 10 different pig genetic lines produced in Vojvodina (Serbia). Cadmium levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralization by dry ashing. The difference in cadmium levels in analysed liver tissues was not significant (p?>?0.05) between the various genetic lines. However, large variations in cadmium levels (from 0.03 to 0.27?mg/kg) in liver tissues indicated its availability in the local agricultural environment in Vojvodina. The average level of cadmium (0.13?mg/kg) was higher than the levels reported in pork liver from some developed countries.     

Survey of levels of cadmium in oysters,mussels, clams and scallops from the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada

Field and retail collections of bivalves from the Pacific Northwest, Canada, were analysed for cadmium concentrations by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Both collections of varnish (Nuttallia obscurata) and manila (Venerupis philippinarum) clams contained cadmium concentrations of less than 0.5 µg g^?1, well below international safety guidelines of 1 and 2 µg g^?1 wet weight cadmium for the European and Hong Kong markets, respectively, as well as the 2 µg g^?1 safety guideline set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Cadmium concentrations in retail collections of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, were generally above 2 µg g^?1 wet weight (range = 1.5–3.56 µg g^?1). Retail collections of the mussel, Mytilus spp., contained cadmium concentrations below the 2 µg g^?1 wet weight guideline, but not always the 1 µg g^?1 limit (range = 0.15?1.8 µg g^?1). However, field collections of Mytilus spp. contained cadmium concentrations between 0.35 and 4.00 µg g^?1 wet weight, and depending on sampling location, concentrations exceeded the CAC guidelines by more than two-fold. Locations where mussels had high cadmium concentrations correlated with regions that had previously reported high values for cadmium in Pacific oysters (r = 0.65; p < 0.05). Of the various shellfish analysed, the four species of scallops, Chlamys hastata, C. rubida, Crassadoma gigantea, and Patinopecten yessoensis, contained the greatest concentrations of cadmium, in excess of 5 µg g^?1 wet weight (range = 4.97–8.98 µg g^?1) with the greatest concentrations determined for C. gigantea. Cadmium concentrations in shellfish from the Pacific Northwest are greater than values reported for shellfish from other regions of the world and consumers need be aware of Health Canada consumption guidelines for shellfish from this region.     

Analysis and risk assessment of arsenic,cadmium and lead in two fish species (Sardina pilchardus and Xiphias gladius) from Algerian coastal water

ABSTRACT

In this study, the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) have been determined in the flesh of two species of fish, sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fished in the Algerian coast. Quantification of As, Cd and Pb was carried out using an ICP-MS method and the results were compared with the thresholds set by national and international regulatory bodies. In a further step, the risk to consumers was assessed using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI).The average concentration of As and Pb was higher in sardine (1.82; 0.10 mg kg^?1 w.w., respectively), than in swordfish (1.10 mg kg^?1 w.w.; not determined), whereas the concentration recorded for Cd was the same for both species (0.01 mg kg^?1 w.w.). These concentrations are below maximum limits set in regulations. The THQs and HI were widely below 1. The consumption of these fish does not pose risk to the consumers.     

Elemental composition of game meat from Austria

Concentrations of 26 elements (B, Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Pb, U) in wild game meat from Austria were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. All investigated animals were culled during the hunting season 2012/2013, including 10 chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 9 hare (Lepus europaeus), 10 pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), 10 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 12 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 10 wild boar (Sus scrofa). In 19 out of 61 meat samples lead concentrations were higher than 0.1 mg/kg, the maximum limit in meat as set by the European Commission (Regulation EC No 1881/2006), which is most likely caused by ammunition residues. Especially, pellet shot animals and chamois show a high risk for lead contamination. Despite ammunition residues all investigated muscle samples show no further health risk with respect to metal contamination.     

Lead,cadmium and organochlorine pesticide residues in hunted red deer and wild boar from northern Italy

The objectives of the present study were to assess heavy metal cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and organochlorine pesticide concentrations in tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from nine hunting areas and to evaluate related risk factors for the host animal. Over a period of 2 years, a total of 1055 and 210 masseters, 424 and 201 livers, 642 and 152 kidneys were collected from wild boar and red deer, respectively, and concentrations of Cd, Pb and organochlorine pesticides were determined. Comparing the two species, Cd concentration in the kidney (3.72 mg/kg), liver (0.67 mg/kg) and muscle (0.02 mg/kg) of wild boar was found to be significantly higher than in the organs of red deer (1.02 mg/kg in the kidneys, 0.07 mg/kg in the liver and 0.006 mg/kg in muscle). Mean Pb concentrations were found to be similar in both animals, with 0.39, 0.52 and 2.60 mg/kg detected in the wild boar kidney, liver and muscle, respectively, and 0.24, 0.21 and 2.04 mg/kg in the respective organs of the red deer. No difference in concentrations were found based on age class, location of tissue sample or contaminant in the case of wild boar. By contrast, a significantly lower Cd concentration was found in the kidney of the young red deer. The search for organochlorine pesticides in both red deer and wild boar produced negative results with values below the limits of detection. Due to the high levels of renal Cd and muscle Pb detected in wild boar and red deer, further research needs to be carried out in an effort to identify the source of contamination and preserve the health of animals and humans.     

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers, and kidneys of swine slaughtered in The Netherlands during the period 1980-1985

The results obtained between 1980 and 1985 in a Dutch monitoring programme on the presence of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat and organs of swine are presented. For meat, livers and kidneys the median values were, respectively, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.003 mg/kg (fresh weight) for arsenic, 0.002, 0.044, and 0.260 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.08 mg/kg for lead and 0.001, 0.002, and 0.005 mg/kg for mercury. No significant changes were observed in the tissue arsenic and mercury levels during the investigated period. A decrease was observed in the cadmium and lead concentrations in livers and kidneys. The provisional Dutch legal limits were exceeded only for lead in one kidney sample. A significant recti linear relation was found between the cadmium concentrations in livers and kidneys. In general the cadmium and lead levels found are comparable with published data, reported from other countries. Compared with data from the literature, the arsenic and mercury concentrations found in the present study are low.     

Aflatoxins and heavy metals in animal feed in Iran

The occurrence of aflatoxin (aflatoxin B₁, aflatoxin B₂, aflatoxin G₁ (AFG₁) and aflatoxin G₂ (AFG₂)) and heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As and Hg) contamination was determined in 40 industrially produced animal feed samples which were collected from the southwest of Iran. The results indicated that 75% of samples were contaminated by four aflatoxins and the level of AFB₁ and sum of aflatoxins were higher than the permissible maximum levels in Iran (5 and 20 µg kg^?1, respectively) in all feed samples. A positive correlation was found between four types of aflatoxins in all the tested samples (p < 0.01) and the positive correlation between AFG₁ and AFG₂ was significant (r² = 0.708). All feed samples had lead concentrations lower than the maximum EU limit, while 5%, 17% and 42.5% of feed samples had As, Cd and Hg concentrations higher than the maximum limits, respectively.     

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers and kidneys of sheep slaughtered in The Netherlands

Summary The results obtained between 1981 and 1986 in a Dutch monitoring programme investigating the presence of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in meat, livers and kidneys of sheep are presented. For the meat, livers and kidneys, the median values were 0.001, 0.003,and 0.007 mg/kg (fresh weight) for arsenic; 0.003, 0.054, and 0.098 mg/kg for cadmium; 0.04, 0.85, and 0.36 mg/kg for lead; and 0.001, 0.002, and 0.007 mg/kg for mercury. During the reported period, no clear trends were observed. The results are compared with the data from other countries. The mercury and arsenic concentrations in meat and organs may be regarded as low, but the levels of lead in livers are relatively high. The lead concentrations in livers showed seasonal fluctuations, the highest concentrations usually being found during the winter. Significant linear relationships were found between the concentrations in livers and kidneys for arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Tissue trace element levels were not related to the age of the investigated animals.

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Arsen, Cadmium, Blei und Quecksilber in Fleisch, Leber und Niere von Schafen in den Niederlanden

Zusammenfassung Es wird über die Ergebnisse der Jahre zwischen 1981 und 1986 eines holländischen Überwachungsprogramms über das Vorkommen von Arsen, Cadmium, Blei und Quecksilber in Fleisch, Leber und Niere von Schafen berichtet. Für Fleisch, Leber und Niere lagen die ermittelten Medianwerte für Arsen bei 0,001 bzw. 0,003 und 0,007 mg/kg (bezogen auf Frischgewicht), für Cadmium bei 0,003 bzw. 0,054 und 0,098 mg/kg, für Blei bei 0,04 bzw. 0,85 und 0,36 mg/kg und für Quecksilber bei 0,001 bzw. 0,002 und 0,007 mg/kg. Die Gehalte zeigten keine signifikante Änderung während dieser Periode. Die Gehalte werden verglichen mit Angaben anderer Länder. Die Arsen- und Quecksilbergehalte unserer Untersuchung sind niedrig. Die Bleigehalte in Leber sind relativ hoch, sie zeigten Änderungen abhängig von der Jahreszeit. Die Höchstgehalte wurden gewöhnlich während der Winterzeit gefunden. Die Gehalte von Niere und Leber sind signifikant miteinander korreliert für die Elemente Arsen, Cadmium und Blei. Die Arsen-, Cadmium-, Blei- und Quecksilbergehalte von Fleisch und Organen sind nicht mit dem Alter der Tiere korreliert.

     

Cadmium and lead in muscle tissue and organs of broilers, turkeys and spent hens and in mechanically deboned poultry meat

Cadmium and lead levels have been determined in meat, livers and kidneys of turkeys, in livers and kidneys of spent hens, in kidneys of broilers and in mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM), by dry ashing of the sample with Mg(NO3)2 followed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric analysis. The possible age-dependent cadmium and lead accumulation in livers and kidneys of turkeys was also studied. The cadmium concentrations in meat and organs of poultry are in good agreement with data reported for other countries, but lead concentrations were low compared with most data reported in the literature. The cadmium levels in kidneys and livers of turkeys increased with age, whilst the lead concentrations were unrelated to age. The cadmium and lead concentrations in industrially prepared MDPM from broiler carcasses were very low (less than 0.001-0.004 mg/kg and less than 0.01-0.06 mg/kg, respectively). In MDPM prepared from backs (including the kidneys) and necks, elevated cadmium concentrations were found. The increase was related to the cadmium concentrations in the kidneys. In MDPM prepared from broilers, turkeys and spent hens the cadmium concentrations varied between 0.001 and 0.002 mg/kg, 0.005 and 0.006 mg/kg and 0.007 and 0.028 mg/kg, respectively. For lead the concentrations in meat and MDPM were similar. It can be concluded from the results that in MDPM prepared from spent hens and possibly turkeys, when incorporating the kidneys, cadmium concentrations greater than 0.05 mg/kg, (the legal limit for cadmium in poultry meat in The Netherlands) may occur.