Determination of toxic heavy metal levels in beef, mutton and chicken meat consumed in Van province and evaluation of human health risk

The aim of this study is to determine the toxic heavy metal levels in beef, smutton and chicken meat consumed in Van province and to evaluate the human health risk. For this purpose, a total of 48 meat samples, 16 beef, 16 mutton and 16 chicken meat samples, were collected from butchers and markets in Van province. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic and aluminum were determined in meat samples ICP-MS device after solubilization in microwave digestion system. As a result of the analysis, all metals examined were detected in all meat samples (100%); the highest level of metal was Al, the lowest level was Cd, and the highest metal concentration was found in beef. When the metal levels of meat samples were compared with national and international standards, it was determined that the concentrations of all heavy metals except Cd were above the maximum permissible limits. When the risk assessment was made, it was determined that the daily intake amount of heavy metals was <1 and did not exceed the provisional-tolerable maximum daily intake and provisional-tolerable weekly intake levels determined by WHO and JEFCA, but since the total hazard index determined for children in beef and mutton samples was >1, consumption of these meats by children could cause excessive exposure to these chemicals. Therefore, it was concluded that consumption of beef and mutton in Van province could pose significant health risks, especially for children.