Abstract

Metallic trace elements in blood, wool, kidney and liver of sheep from a mine area of marrakech-Morocco

Author(s): Yassir Barkouch, H.Nocairi, A.Sedki, A.Pineau

This study evaluated the contribution of anthropogenic pollution to toxic metal residues(Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in sheep in Draa Lasfar mining area ofMarrakech(Morocco). Samples of blood, wool, liver and kidney from animals aged 24-60monthswere obtained fromthemining area(50 sheep) and froma rural area(12 sheep). Sampleswere aciddigested, and levels ofmetals determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sheep fromDrâa Lasfar mining area showed higher tissue levels of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn than sheep from the rural area. The most effect of pollution on Cd, Pb and Znwere seen in the kidney (PFCd-k=3,7 ; PFPb-k=1,7 and PFZn-k=1,4), and on Cu in the liver(PFCul= 2,2).As these trace elements are known to be highly toxic compounds to which chronic exposure results in severe diseases or even death, there is an urgent need to initiate an extensive epidemiological study of people consuming animal products originating from this area.