Die Bodenkultur - Journal for Land Management, Food and Environment

E. Massányi, E. Nad, R.Toman and J. Kováčik:

Concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Copper and Zinc in Various Muscles of Sheep

Summary

In this study, concentrations of cadmium, lead, nickel, copper and zinc determined by AAS in 6 topographically different muscles of sheep are reported. The highest concentration of cadmium is reported in m. triceps brachii (0.035 ± 0.020 mg per kg of wet weight). Also the lead level was highest in m. triceps brachii (0.347± 0.043 mg/kg). Concentration of nickel was highest in m. quadriceps femoris (0.470 ± 0.025 mg/kg), copper in m. psoas major (2.127 ± 0.509 mg/kg), and the highest concentration of zinc was found in m. triceps bracbii (37.745 ± 14.696 mg/kg). Any significant differences were found among the metal concentrations in studied muscles. Correlation analysis determined that, there are no high correlation relationships among the content of cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and zinc in different muscles. Keywords: cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, zinc, muscles, sheep heavy metals.