Download Elemental Analysis of Bovine Organs Collected From Dagoretti

Elemental Analysis of Bovine Organs Collected From Dagoretti Abattoirs
for Heavy Metals and Radionuclides Using TXRF and Gamma
Spectrometry
By
Serah Njeri Kamau Mburu
Abstract
Heavy metals are defined as a subset of elements that exhibit metallic properties. They occur
naturally in the ecosystem with large variations in concentration. Also due to the natural
radioactivity, radioactive species are in soils, plants, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and
consequently in animals and our bodies. Human activities with time have added to the amounts
of heavy metals and radionuclide in the ecosystem.
Living Organisms require varying amounts of certain heavy metals in their bodies. Excessive
levels can be damaging to the organism and can be considered toxic. Some heavy metals may
turn toxic for certain organisms under certain conditions. All in the name of advanced
technology, we use radionuclide in agriculture, human and animal diagnosis, prevention and
treatment. This broad use cause accumulation and together with that of heavy metals in the
ecosystem would cause serious illness in humans.
Human diseases are complicated and may not necessarily be due to the bacterial, viral and
parasitic infection as it was earlier thought. Metal toxicity and radionuclide exposure result to
ailments that have similar symptoms as ailments due to bacterial, viral or parasitic infection.
Heavy metals and radionuclide are not easily biodegraded or bio-transformed, they can remain as
persistent toxicants within ecosystems and specific food chains.
A diet of meat in Kenya is presentable and acceptable for anyone who assumes to be feeding
well. Meat inspection in the slaughter house is done by veterinary doctors. The overall procedure
in the inspection is by incisions, slicing, palpating as well as checking on the physical
appearance and the characteristic smell of the carcasses parts. The veterinary doctor finalizes by
stamping the carcass as a sign of quality. Although the work of the veterinary doctors is
appreciated and acknowledged, it is important to realize that some of the parameters for
determining meat quality need more advanced laboratory techniques.
This study utilizes the TXRF and gamma spectrometry techniques to check on heavy metals and
radionuclide’s contaminants in meat. The laboratory techniques using TXRF and Gamma
spectrometry can be used as an additional monitoring tool for meat product quality.