ABSTRACT

This study observed the concentration of selected heavy metals on nine (9) goat meat samples processed with three different methods (firewood singed, scrap tyres singed, and hotwater frayed) in a local slaughter unit using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results revealed trace concentrations of the heavy metals in mostly unsinged samples prior to the singeing process, giving a control mean concentrations of 0.063±0.055 mg/kg, 0.001±0.001 mg/kg, 2.547±0.461 mg/kg, 1.95±0.125 mg/kg and 6.34±0.753 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe respectively. This suggests an exposure of the slaughtered ruminants to contamination factors in the environment thereby reflecting undue levels of heavy metal concentration in the sample. Whereas increased concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe were observed in the firewood singed unwashed sample, Cd was below detectable range. Elevated values in concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe was observed for the scrap tyre singed unwashed sample and conversely, a significant reduction was observed for Pb (0.009±0.01 mg/kg), Cu (6.067±0.146 mg/kg), Zn (22.41±3.304 mg/kg) and Fe (16.62±0.795 mg/kg) while Cd was below significant detectable range after the scrap tyre singed sample was washed. Furthermore, the results of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe concentrations in frayed and unwashed as well as frayed and washed samples showed a significant reduction compared to the control and other treatments as all samples treated in this category was below significant detectable range.  The environmental assessment and health status conducted using questionnaire revealed that eye irritation and skin burn were among the common health challenges faced by workers in the area while, frequent medication accounted for major economic losses. Waste management was identified as a critical issue and poses a high risk of meat contamination due to unhealthy practices. The study recommended stakeholder involvement, the general public and the meat processors in ensuring proper food handling especially at the processing unit.