Human Health Risk of Chromium Intake From Consumption of Poultry Meat and Eggs in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background. Heavy metals contamination of food is a serious threat. Long term exposure may lead to human health risks. Poultry and eggs are a major source of protein, but if contaminated by heavy metals, have the potential to lead to detrimental effects on human health. Objectives. The objective of this study is to determine chromium concentrations in poultry meat (flesh and liver) and eggs collected from poultry farms in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to calculate the daily intake of chromium from the consumption of poultry meat and eggs for adults, and to evaluate their potential health risk by calculating the target hazard quotients (THQ). Methods. All samples of poultry feed, meat (flesh and liver) and eggs were analyzed by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) (GFA- EX- 7i Shimadju, Japan). Results. Chromium concentrations were recorded in the range of not detected (ND) to 1.3926±0.0010 mg kg−1 and 0.0678±0.0001 mg kg−1 to 1.3764±0.0009 mg kg−1 in the liver of broiler and layer chickens, respectively. Chromium concentrations were determined in the range of 0.069±1.0004 mgkg−1 to 2.0746±0.0021 mg kg−1 and 0.0362±0.0002 mg kg−1 to 1.2752±0.0014 mg kg−1 in the flesh of broiler and layer chicken, respectively. The mean concentration of chromium in eggs was 0.2174−1.08 mg kg.−1 The highest concentration of chromium 2.4196±0.0019 mg kg−1 was found in egg yolk. Target hazard quotients values in all poultry flesh, liver and eggs samples were less than one, indicating no potential health risks to consumers. Conclusions. The estimated daily intake values of chromium were below the threshold limit. Thus, our results indicate that no adverse health effects are expected as a resultof ingestion of chicken fed with tannery waste. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests. Ethics Approval: This study was approved by the Biosafety, Biosecurity & Ethical Committee of Jahangirnagar University.

Keywords

• heavy metal
• chromium
• poultry
• eggs
• target hazard quotient