Evaluation of some heavy metals in certain fish, meat and meat products in Saudi Arabian markets

The concentration of some heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg) in certain common fish species, meat and meat products collected from four major industrial and urban cities (Tabouk, Riyadh, Damamm and Jazan) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained results declared that concentrations of major studied metals were exceeding than the recommended maximum acceptable levels proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO and EC Committees. Meat products were found to contain the highest metals values especially sausage (242.44, 18.51, 15.43 and 0.125 μg/g for Fe, Cu, Pb and Hg, respectively), luncheon (32.67, 73.94 and 4.08 μg/g for Mn, Zn and Cd, respectively). While camel’s meat maintained the lowest values of most studied metals. With respect to different studied districts middle and eastern districts showed high metals concentrations due to the polluted air with industrial activities.