An Investigation of the Lead and Cadmium Levels of Blood Serum and Wool of White Karaman Sheep in the Van Region (Turkey)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine heavy metal (lead - Pb and cadmium - Cd) contamination of White Karaman sheep raised in Centrum (industrial area) and Ozalp (rural area) districts of Van province in Turkey. Pb and Cd concentrations of blood serum and wool samples were measured with an ICP-OES device at Scientific Research and Implementation Center of Van Yuzuncu Yil University. It was observed that the sheep raised in the Central district of Van had higher levels of Pb and Cd in the blood serum and wool than those of the sheep Ozalp district (p < 0.001). However, Pb and Cd levels of the sheep were still below the acceptable limits in both districts of Van province. Present findings revealed that pastures of both districts of Van province were safe with regard to food safety and environmental pollution with heavy metals.