Determination of Lead and Cadmium in meats, livers and kidneys of sheep Exposed in the local markets of Lattakia

The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in the meat, liver and kidney of sheep exposed in the local markets of the city of Latakia, and to compare the results with those reported by other countries and with the maximum acceptable levels for human consumption, Lead and cadmium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The mean concentrations of lead in meat, liver and kidney were 0.043, 0.284 and 0.118 mg/kg fresh weights, respectively, while mean concentrations of cadmium were 0.017, 0.173 and 0.252 mg/kg fresh weights, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in lead and cadmium concentrations between liver and kidney and in meat.