Investigating Heavy Metals Contamination Level in Poultry Feed and Layer Chicken Eggs and Its Associated Health Risk in Bangladesh
by Afrose Sultana Chamon*, M. N. Mondol, Sayada Kowka Batul Jannat Tajnin
Published: March 16, 2026 • DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.110200100
Abstract
Background: Heavy metals contamination in poultry products are increasing public health concern in Bangladesh, due to rapid industrialization, contaminated irrigation water, and the use of low-quality feed ingredients and tannery waste contribute to metal accumulation in eggs.
Objectives: This study evaluated the concentrations of toxic and essential heavy metals in collected Layer feed samples and Layer eggs from major poultry-producing areas of Savar and Dhamrai, Bangladesh, and assessed the potential human health risks associated with their consumption.
Methodology: Five commercial and non-branded layer feed samples and eighteen egg samples from two farms were analyzed. Samples underwent acid digestion (HNO₃–HClO₄), followed by metal quantification using AAS and ICP-MS. Health risks were assessed using Average Daily Intake (ADI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) models.
Key Results: Feed samples showed metal concentrations ranging as follows: Ni (3.95–5.66 mgkg-1), Cd (0.11–0.33 mgkg-1), Pb (0.44–2.83 mgkg-1), Cr (0.00–13.48 mgkg-1), Cu (5.59–24.93 mgkg-1), and Zn (28.19–73.12 mgkg-1). Most of the metals were within permissible limits except Cr exceeded safety limit in several samples, indicating contamination from tannery waste. Egg samples contained significantly elevated concentrations: As (6.41–21.77 mgkg-1), Pb (1.20–6.33 mgkg-1), Cd (0.08–1.67 mgkg-1), Cr (8.76–15.08 mgkg-1), and Ni (0.44–4.62 mgkg-1); all above international limits. Essential elements were also high: Cu (3.48–11.73 mgkg-1), Zn (70.64–208.23 mgkg-1), Co (0.01–0.31 mgkg-1), and Be (0.002–0.013 mgkg-1). ADI values for As (0.035–0.121 mg/person/day) exceeded PMTDI in most samples, and HI values surpassed 1.0 in all sheds, signifying cumulative human health risks.
Conclusion: Layer eggs from Savar are heavily contaminated with toxic metals, especially As and Cr, posing significant health risks to consumers.