Heavy metal and hydrocarbon residues in tissue and blood of beef steers bedded on waste newspapers
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)
There are over 3 million tons of waste newspaper generated annually in Pennsylvania alone. This provides a significant disposal problem for many municipalities who are confronted with dwindling options for solid waste disposal. Previous studies have identified several of the potential advantages of the material as a bedding material for livestock. With over 1 million beef and dairy cattle in the state, the potential use of newspaper as bedding is important. Of concern, however, is the effect of the chemical composition of the paper on animals which have the opportunity to consume it, and subsequent entry of undesirable residues into the food chain. Metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and copper are known to exist in relatively high quantities in newsprint from the ink used in printing. Naphthalene and other aromatic hydrocarbons which are found in coal tar and synthetic and natural crude oils are known to accumulate in marine life and are absorbed by humans after consumption. A preliminary report indicated beef steers bedded on newspaper did consume varying amounts of the material. Few studies have determined if residues of heavy metals or organic compounds are found in the carcasses of animals continuously bedded on newspaper. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and certain aromatic hydrocarbons in the blood and liver of feedlot cattle bedded continuously on waste newspaper or sawdust. 4 refs., 3 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 35698
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 49, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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