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Contamination of food by heavy metals is a concerning problem in developing countries. Cadmium is one of the toxic elements that is considered as a marker for environmental contamination. The avian ecosystem is suitable for biomonitoring purposes, especially in cases where stationary sources of pollution are present. Pheasant samples (n = 327) were collected during four hunting seasons within the framework of the Serbian National Residue Monitoring Program, from 2018 to 2021. The level of cadmium in the samples was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average cadmium level in analysed liver and leg muscle samples was 0.306 mg kg-1 and 0.009 mg kg-1 respectively. Cadmium levels ranged between 0.005-4.206 mg kg-1 in liver and < 0.001-0.235 in leg muscle. The cadmium level in pheasants in Serbia has slightly increased numerically (not statistically) over the past four years, so the level should continue to be carefully monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global organic agriculture and consumption of organic food has continuously increased over the past decades. The aim of the research was to determine and compare cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in organic and conventional root and tuber vegetables from the Serbian market. Samples of three root and tuber vegetables commonly consumed in Serbia, including potatoes, carrots and beetroots, were collected at two green markets and four supermarkets in the territory of the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in fresh weight were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in two types of vegetables were compared by the ttest. Cd and Pb concentrations in both types of vegetables were below allowable limits. Potato mean Cd concentration was significantly lower in the organic than in the conventional type (0.021 mg kg-1 and 0.037 mg kg-1, respectively). In carrots, it was the opposite, Cd concentration was higher in the organic type, but the difference was not significant either between the two types or for beetroots. Results indicated lower Pb levels in organic potatoes and beetroots, and higher Pb levels in organic carrots, but differences between means were not significant in all tested vegetables. Obtained results are not conclusive, but they indicate lower or similar concentrations of both metals in organic vegetables in comparison to conventional types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The beneficial effects of medicinal plants are well-known from the ancient times. However, expansion of phytopharmacy and phytotherapy occured during the last decades. Medicinal plants can absorb environmental contaminants from the ground and consequently may cause harmful effects on human health. Quality control usually comprises standard methodology which includes macroscopic identification and examination of active ingredients. Additionaly, there is a permanent need to control the level of pollutants in herbs, with a particular attention to the level of toxic metals. In this study we estimated the level of contamination by determining the content of cadmium (Cd) in the herbs of Hypericum perforatum and Thymus serpyllum collected from the different localities of the mountains Rtanj and Ozren. Methods. Herbs of investigated plants were collected during July 2005 from various localities of Rtanj and Ozren mountains. After drying, homogenization and mineralization, Cd content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. The obtained results show that Cd content varies significantly in Hypericum perforatum samples collected. The lowest Cd level was found in samples from the one of Rtanj localities (0.25 mg Cd/kg), while the highest was observed in Hypericum perforatum from Ozren locality (1.24 mg/kg). Levels of Cd in the three of four investigated localities were higher than proposed by WHO (0.3 mg/kg dried herb material). In all investigated samples of Thymus serpyllum herbs Cd levels were below the limit of detection of analytical method (0.2 mg Cd/kg dried materials). Conclusion. This work contributes to the issue of Cd content in Hypericum perforatum and Thymus serpyllum grown in localities of Rtanj and Ozren, and implies the importance for systemic control of Cd content in Hypericum species in order to provide safety of their preparations. Furthermore, regarding Cd toxicity, maximal permissible level of Cd in plant material should be evaluated and established concerning national legislative frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]