Heavy metals analysis of local and exotic poultry meat

Owing to the pollution status of the environment by heavy metals especially through fossil fuels combustion, this study was carried out to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in chicken parts and also the feeds they consume. Chickens are one of the main sources of protein for the south east population and heavy metals may enter the dairy production system in a variety of ways. These include atmospheric deposition (possible by burning of fossil fuels), land application of inorganic fertilizers, biosolids, agrochemicals, and animal manures. These heavy metals have several toxic effects on the body. However the essential elements such as zinc and copper are beneficial to health at proper concentration. Exotic and local chickens namely layers, cockerels, broilers and local and some feeds were obtained from the main market in Nsukka and Enugu towns. After which the liver, gizzards and muscles were removed from the chickens. The samples of the liver, gizzards, muscles and also the feed were prepared by wet digestion for heavy metals analysis by Atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations in ug/g of the heavy metals were in the range of 1.78 to 15.32, 9.7 to 147.07, 15.82-47.79 and 0.03 to 2.29 cadmium, lead, copper and zinc respectively. The high concentrations of the toxic metals obtained show a certain level of pollution of the environment. Efforts should be made in minimizing fossil fuels combustion and the use of alternative renewable energy such as biodiesel and bioethanol production and utilization should be promoted. © Research India Publications.