Selected heavy metal concentrations in goat liver and kidney.

Concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in liver and kidney of goats was determined. Goats were intended for human consumption and bred in the rural area of Arnea and in the metal contaminated area of Olympias. A total of 104 specimens were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Zinc and lead concentrations were within acceptable limits. Copper levels were deficient in animals from the Olympias area. Cadmium levels from Olympias were higher than those from Arnea. Liver and particularly kidney specimens from Olympias had cadmium levels exceeding tolerance limits and should be avoided for human consumption.