Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractHeavy metal contamination in food systems, especially in areas with high industrial activity, poses a significant risk to public health due to the toxicological effects of chronic exposure of humans and animals. This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), in rabbit organs from industrial and non-industrial areas in southern Kaduna, Nigeria, using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Six-month-old rabbits were reared from AGWA (industrial area) and NARAYI (control area). They were dissected, dried, ground, and acid-digested for heavy metal analysis such as liver, kidney, heart, intestine, and meat. Results showed that after five and ten years of exposure, Cd concentrations exceeded the permissible limit in all vital organs, with particularly high concentrations in the liver and kidney. Lead concentrations were also high in the liver and kidney at six months, while elevated levels were observed in all organs at five and ten years. Arsenic was only detected in the skin, but its levels remained below the permissible threshold. These findings highlight the risk of heavy metal bioaccumulation from consumption of contaminated animal products and the need for strict regulatory measures and continuous monitoring to protect human health in industrial areas.Keywords; Exposure, bio-accumulation, concentrations
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Larit Bitrus. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
