Evaluation of heavy metals in the kidney, liver, and muscle tissues of Tragelaphus scriptus, Hystrix cristata, and Thryonomys swinderianus in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals are dangerous elements of the earth crust and they tend to bioaccumulate, increasing concentration level in biological  organism over the time. This study evaluates heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb) in the kidney, liver, and muscles tissues  of Antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus), Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) in Taraba State, Nigeria. A  total of 18 smoked samples from the kidney, liver, and muscles tissues of Antelope (Tragelaphus scriptus), Grasscutter (Thryonomys  swinderianus) and Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) were used for the study. The samples were digested and analyzed using Atomic  Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results obtained from the heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of Pb in Antelope’s liver  and kidney (0.780±0.107ppm, 0.775±0.19ppm), Grass cutter’s muscle and liver (0.584±0.085ppm, 0.434±0.010ppm), and Porcupine’s liver  (0.430±0.01ppm) were higher than the safe limits recommended by WHO (0.01-0.38ppm) for human consumption. While the heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cd) were within the safe limits. The high level of Pb in the samples is a matter of concern for bush meat  consumption from that area. Therefore, the study recommends the need for continuous education of hunters and farmers on the  detrimental effects of using guns for hunting and the use of chemicals for agricultural activities mostly around the reserves where game   animals are found.