Occurrence of Chemical Elements in Ewe Tissues from Undisturbed and Slightly Disturbed Areas in Slovakia

This study aimed to measure concentrations of selected essential and toxic elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Zn) in animal tissues of sheep originating from the area with a slightly environmental burden (Horehronie region) and undisturbed area (Orava region) in Slovakia. Liver, kidney, mammary gland, and muscle from 22 ewes for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) were analysed by an inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Various concentrations of monitored elements were obtained after subjecting the results to statistical analysis. Contents of five toxic elements (arsenic, cobalt, nickel, lead, antimony), and chrome and selenium, were below the detection limits. Content of cadmium exceeded the maximum permissible level in kidneys from the slightly disturbed area. Although the content of copper did not exceed the permissible limit, the concentration of Cu was higher in the liver in both areas in 2021 compared to the results from other studies. The concentration of lithium in the kidney, liver, and muscle from the Orava region was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the Horehronie region. Concentrations of Mg, Ag, Cd, Mo, and Zn were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in samples from region Horehronie than that in the Orava region. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted between concentrations of K, Li, and Mo in kidneys; Fe, K, and Li in the mammary gland; Cu, Zn in the liver and Mn in muscles of sheep across the reference years. In summary, monitoring the occurrence of elements found in commonly consumed dietary raw materials contributes to ensuring the quality and safety of food. Most of the tissue samples analysed are relatively safe for regular human consumption. However, the concentrations of Cd in the kidneys from the slightly disturbed area and potentially Cu in the liver from both areas pose a health risk for the consumers.