Heavy metal pollution in poultry feeds and broiler chickens in Bangladesh

Abstract

The poultry industry poses a significant threat of heavy metal poisoning for the people of Bangladesh. The research was performed to assess the levels of heavy metals in chicken feed as well as other consumable sections of poultry fowl, and to determine the possible health hazards implicated. The levels of seven metals were evaluated in sixteen commercially available poultry feeds and in three edible portions of chicken obtained from several local markets in Rajshahi city. The metal concentrations were investigated via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer following the wet digestion method. The amount of Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe in poultry feeds were observed from 0.03 to 12.85 mg/kg, 0.01–1.64 mg/kg, 0.15–4.21 mg/kg, 2.65–45.83 mg/kg, 22.63–188.85 mg/kg, 0.09–2.64 mg/kg, and 0.54–41.01 mg/kg, respectively. In broiler chickens, the concentrations were determined from 0.87 to 3.15 mg/kg, 0.01–0.05 mg/kg, 0.19–1.09 mg/kg, 0.96–3.78 mg/kg, 4.45–23.53 mg/kg, 0.07–0.56 mg/kg, and 2.70–92.32 mg/kg, respectively. With the exception of Cu, Mn, and Fe, most heavy metal concentrations in chickens exceeded the highest allowed concentration set by FAO/WHO. The estimated EDI, THQ and TTHQ numbers for all metals examined were found to be below MTDI, indicating that consumption of chicken meat poses noncarcinogenic risk to individuals. Comparatively, ILCR associated with Cd and Pb are around the safety threshold, but Cr exceeds the permissible range and poses a significant risk. • Poultry feeds analyzed exceed WHO/FAO limits for heavy metals like Cr, Cd, and Pb. • Chromium in chicken poses a significant carcinogenic risk for consumers. • Cadmium and lead levels are near safety thresholds but still concerning. • Poultry organs, especially the liver, accumulate higher heavy metal levels. • Stricter monitoring is vital to control heavy metal contamination in food.

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