DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METAL CONTENT (CD AND PB) IN CITRUS FEED RAW MATERIAL

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of the food chain is a severe environmental problem that poses potential risks to human and animal health. In this regard, the safety of feed and feed materials is essential. In the present study, the levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in an innovative feed raw material – citrus waste (citrus pulp) by orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), red grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and pomelo (Citrus maxima) were determined. The analysis was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The obtained results were compared with other literature data and with the requirements laid down in European and national legislation. Our results showed at the concentrations of cadmium and lead do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, which makes this citrus pulp safe for use as feed material in terms of Cd and Pb contamination.