LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN BEEF MEAT (PONMO) SOLD IN A METROPOLITAN MARKET IN BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT
The body requires adequate minerals to carryout daily metabolic activities, to whichcourse cow hide meat (ponmo) contributes immensely. Investigation of heavy metalsconcentration in cow hides (ponmo) consumed from Oliha Market, Benin City, Edo Statewas carried out between January and March, 2024. Samples were randomly collectedfrom traders in the market and prepared for Analysis using Standard methods and
procedures. The mean concentration of Iron, Zinc, Copper, Lead and Cadmium in the
ponmo samples analyzed was 0.5697 ± 0.0365, 0.0830 ± 0.0492, 0.0503 ± 0.0175, 0.0183
± 0.0007 and 0.0127 ± 0.0009 mg/kg respectively. Results showed that the concentration
of iron (Fe) in cow hide (Ponmo) in the cow hide (Ponmo) was the highest while
cadmium was the lowest. The metal concentration in the cowhide was in the order Iron > Zinc > Copper > Lead > Cadmium. The mean concentration of the metals was within the range of the Food and Agricultural Organization Standard permissible limit. However,
potential accumulation may depend on the frequency of consumption or exposure. From
the study, the metal concentration of Cowhides from Oliha market does not pose as a
significant risk to the consumers health but should be closely monitored and not taken in
excess to avoid bioaccumulation which will then be harmful to the consumers long term.