Assessment of Heavy Metals in Processed Meat (Tinko) Sold within Igbesa Community

Abstract

Meat is a major source of protein, fat and other essential nutrients required for growth and development. To meet up with the increasing  demand, meat products can be processed and preserved for consumption. This study assessed the levels of heavy metals (Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺,  Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺) in processed and preserved meat (“Tinko”) sold and consumed in the Igbesa community. Atomic absorption  spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the presence of these metals. The concentrations of Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, and  Zn²⁺ were 0.005, 0.223, 1.445, 2.165, 1.018, and 1.669 mg/kg, respectively. Cadmium, chromium and zinc were within the safe limits of  0.02, 1.50, and 2.00 mg/kg, respectively. While copper, iron and lead exceeded the safe limits of 1.00, 2.00, and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively,  as established by WHO/FAO. Regular daily intake limits of heavy metals in diets should be monitored and practices that increase the  concentration of metals in the environment should be discouraged.