Estimation of Heavy Metal Contents Cr, Fe, Cu, Pb & Cd in Meat Products Imported in Al-Marj City, Libya

Abstract:This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the level of concentration of heavy elements chromium, iron, copper, lead and cadmium in some types of processed meat imported in the markets of Al-Marj city, where five random samples were collected from different companies. The content of heavy elements in these samples was measured by an atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed an increase in the concentration of iron and chromium minerals in the samples, where the results of iron ranged between 0.692 to 2.810 mg/L and chromium between 0.136 to 0.811 mg/L, exceeding the values set by the two global health and food organizations, which were 0.3 and 0.05 respectively. The results of the concentrations of copper, lead and cadmium elements in the samples showed rates below the limit allowed by FAO/WHO. The average concentration of copper in the samples ranged from 0.083 to 0.108 mg/L, lead from 0.070 to 0.110 mg/L, and cadmium from 0.025 to 0.049 mg/L. The study recommended periodic inspection of all foods in the local markets.