ASSESSMENT LEVEL OF CADMIUM, LEAD AND MERCURY IN MUSCLE, LIVER AND KIDNEY OF WILD BOAR (SUS SCROFA) FROM MALOPOLSKIE, POLAND

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a matter of global concern, because of its toxicity to living organisms. This study aimed to determine the content of cadmium, lead, and mercury in muscle (meat), liver, and kidney of 28 wild boar, which were collected by hunters in Małopolskie province, Poland from September to October 2019. The Cd, Pb content was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, while the cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer for Hg content, all samples were analyzed at the Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland. The results showed that the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg in the kidney and liver were significantly higher than in muscle, the metals accumulated in the tissues of wild boar followed the increase of Hg < Pb < Cd. Many samples had levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg above the safe thresholds established by The European Commission. There are risks to the consumer if large quantities of wild boar meat are consumed (especially kidney and liver) in Małopolskie province. The study provides an important reference in conducting risk assessment for wildlife consumption.