Abstract

In this study, cattle were assessed for the levels of metals in some organs. Six metals, Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) were determined in twenty samples comprising four different parts (liver, kidney, muscle tissue and blood) from five cows at slaughter in a major abattoir in Ota, using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (S-series 712354v1.27), following digestion. The heavy metal concentrations ranged from 12.864 to 18.475 mg/kg for As; 0.522 to 2.131 mg/kg, Cr; ND-1.227 mg/kg, Pb; 0.463 to 0.844 mg/kg, Cd; ND-0.112 mg/kg, Co; and ND-1.075 mg/kg, Ni. Since these observed levels were higher than the WHO standards, gross contamination of the cattle could be inferred; and the levels of metals in cattle parts could be used as biomarkers of metal pollution, though highly influenced by several factors.

Key words: Cattle, biomarker, heavy metal, metal pollution.