Estimation of Heavy Metal Levels in the Muscle, Gizzard, Liver and Kidney of Broiler, Layer and Local (Cockerel) Chickens Raised within Awka Metropolis and Its Environs, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

65 chickens (layer, broiler and cockerel) from different farms within Awka metropolis and its environs were purchased, processed and analyzed for the levels of heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, V and Cu) in the internal organs (muscle, gizzard, liver and kidney) of the chickens using flame atomic absorption spectrometer after nitric/perchloric acid digestion. The ranges of mean concentrations of the metals in the internal organs of the chickens in mg/g were Pb; (0.046 - 0.478) As; (0.053 - 0.318), Cd; (0.027 - 0.649), Cr; (0.045 - 0.234), Hg; (0.052 - 0.740), Ni; (0.038 - 0.534), V; (0.037 - 0.053), and Cu; (0.146 - 0.445). About 10% - 40% of Pb, Cd and Hg exceeded the permissible level of 0.5 ppm set for these metals in the liver and kidney of the chickens. Anova analysis revealed significance of the heavy metals in the internal organs of the chickens at p < 0.05.