Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Singed Goat Meat: Insights from Hot Water and Scrap Car Tire Singeing on Public Health and Environmental Safety

The study investigated the presence of heavy metals, including cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and iron, drinking water, hot water singed goat meat (AS) and scrap car tire singed goat meat (AU) in Kakuri abattoir of Kaduna Metropolis. Cadmium was not detected in all the samples tested. Copper concentrations were 0.016 mg/kg in AS and 0.013 mg/kg in AU, indicating a 23% decrease. Lead was not detected in AS and 0.011 mg/kg in AU, with a substantial percentage increase. Zinc concentrations were 0.110 mg/kg in AS and 0.969 mg/kg in AU, displaying a significant 780.91% increase. Iron concentrations were 0.816 mg/kg in AS and 2.343 mg/kg in AU, showing a notable 187.25% increase. Although all concentrations remained below under the ECR RML= European Commission Regulation (2006) Recommended maximum limit (RML) for meat samples and WHO 2011 for Drinking Water, AU exceeded the limit for iron by 0.343 mg/kg. The elemental composition within car tires follows a distinct order: Zinc (Zn) > Copper (Cu) > Lead (Pb) > Cadmium (Cd), which is consistent with the concentration of these metals in the study. This research underscores the importance of employing appropriate techniques to balance regulatory compliance and industrial viability, ensuring the sustainable utilization of hides and skins while minimizing environmental and health risks.