PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS (LEAD AND CADMIUM) IN MEAT SAMPLED FROM THE TAMALE ABATTOIR AND RISK ASSESSMENT

The study investigated the presence and concentration of possible heavy metals residues in meat processed at Tamale abattoir. A total twenty-seven (27) animal parts (liver, kidney muscles) from goats, sheep cattle were sampled analysed for using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). Means standard deviations Pb Cd concentrations computed data collected to test difference metal various samples. Liver samples all three different animals found contain highest (3.17±2.39 mg/kg) (3.47±3.19 mg/kg). muscles used had an average above permissible. be higher than permissible limits indicated by World Health Organisation United States Environmental Protection Agency. daily dose (ADD) exposure humans via ingestion 7.64 × 10˗9 ˗ 2.19 10˗8 children 3.27 9.35 adults. For Cd, ADD 1.96 4.57 10˗6 1.13 2.63 10˗7 Human health risk assessment proved no eminent carcinogenicity consumers, but it is estimated that levels may pose a potential over period continual exposure. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Kidney, Liver, Muscle, Abattoir