Comparison of the Metal Concentrations in the Muscles of Slaughtered Cows, Calves, and Sheep in Sanandaj City, Iran

Background: Heavy metals contaminated environment constitutes a serious problem for human and other organisms. Moreover, metals such as Cd, Pb, and Cr are toxic metals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluation of Cd, Pb, and Cr in the muscle of cow, calf, and sheep slaughtered in Sanandaj city from Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in Sanandaj city in November 2014. A total number of 40 individual animals belonging to cow, calf, and sheep were analyzed for Cd, Pb, and Cr concentrations in the muscle samples. Heavy metals were assayed by using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The results of present study indicated that the mean concentrations of Pb in the muscle of cow, calf, and sheep were 15.1, 13.1, and 9.9 mg/kg. However, the Cd concentrations in the muscle of cow, calf, and sheep were 12.7, 1.8, and 2.8 mg/kg. The results of this study showed that the highest Cd and Pb concentrations were detected in the muscle samples of cow. Conclusion: The metal concentration in the muscle samples was generally lower than the maximum acceptable concentration in European Commission.