Heavy metal contamination of animal feedstuffs – a new survey

Author(s):  
S. Elliott ◽  
A. Frio ◽  
T. Jarman

SummaryContamination of feedstuffs and ingredients with heavy metals poses a major problem for animal health and the transmission of toxic substances within the human food chain, as these elements can be accumulated into meat, egg and milk products. This paper reports on the levels of the three metals, arsenic, cadmium and lead, that exceed EU permitted levels, within premixes and complete feeds (total of 3417 samples) destined for a variety of animal species and taken from different countries during the period 2009–2016. For this period, 20% of all samples were contaminated at levels above the EU limit. In complete feed, ruminants were at the highest risk of exposure with 47% of samples being contaminated. Lead posed the major risk for minerals and cadmium posed the highest risk for premixes during the sampling period. When compared by country, contamination levels varied widely, with the highest contamination determined for Canada with 50% of samples being above the EU limit. To mitigate problems with heavy metals in animal feeds, due diligence in terms of sampling and testing is a necessary tool to evaluate level of risk. Research has shown that trace minerals can be sources of these heavy metals so the industry should be more diligent regarding their provider's quality guarantees. In addition, feeds identified with contamination should not be fed to animals to ensure that these heavy metal toxins are not passed into edible food products, thus providing safety in the food chain.

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163-1169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelia Purcarea ◽  
Malgorzata Dzugan ◽  
Monika Wesolowska ◽  
Adriana Monica Chis ◽  
Grzegorz Zagula ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to compare the heavy metal contamination and study the mineral content of Polish and Romanian honeys. We used Polish varietal honeys (n=18) produced in the year 2013-2014 in ecologically clean Podkarpackie region, and Romanian honeys (n=36) from Bihor district produced in 2013. The heavy metals concentration as well as mineral composition of honey was assayed by ICP-OES method with prior microwave mineralization. The cadmium and lead level in tested Polish honeys ranged from 0.007 to 0.021mg/kg and 0.02 to 0.098 mg/kg, respectively. Cadmium was not detected in Romanian honeys, and the lead contamination was lower than in Polish honey (0.018-0.05 mg/kg). Mercury was not detected in any tested honey samples. The aluminum content in Polish honeydew honeys was 34.6-times higher than in Romanian honeys. Honey samples from Poland were richest in potassium (2.5-fold for honeydew, lime and acacia, excluding heather), but they included less calcium. Generally, dark honeys include the highest mineral concentration and are more contaminated by heavy metals. However, all tested samples met the legal requirements for heavy metals residues. The geographical origin and soil composition strongly influenced honey chemical composition and the crucial factor for heavy metal transfer seems to be soil pH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 193 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahi Aguilera ◽  
Francisco Bautista ◽  
Margarita Gutiérrez-Ruiz ◽  
Agueda E. Ceniceros-Gómez ◽  
Rubén Cejudo ◽  
...  

AbstractIn large industrialized cities, tons of particles containing heavy metals are released into the environment and accumulate on street surfaces. Such particles cause a potential risk to human health due to their composition and size. The heavy metal contamination levels, main emission sources, and human health risks were identified in 482 samples of street dust. Heavy metal concentrations were obtained by microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP-OES. The results indicated that street dust in Mexico City is contaminated mainly with Pb, Zn, and Cu, according to the contamination factor and the geoaccumulation index. The pollution load index of the street dust was made with the concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni. The main sources of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cr are anthropic, probably due to vehicular traffic. The highest levels of Cr and Pb in urban dust represent a health risk for children. Contamination limits were proposed for heavy metals in street dust of Mexico City. These limits might be useful to generate and apply public policies to decrease anthropic emissions of the heavy metals studied, particularly Cr and Pb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-469
Author(s):  
Illyass Bazzi ◽  
Khadija El Mouaden ◽  
Aicha Chaouay ◽  
Abdelaziz Ait Addi ◽  
Mohamed Hamdani ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to monitor the bacteriological contamination of the seawater of the marine fisheries of the coastal Agadir, Morocco. The study was focused on the diagnosis on the pollution in heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in five zones: the port of Imi Ouaddar fish boarding (zone Z1), the old port of Agadir (zones Z2 and Z3), the port of Agadir Marina (zone Z4), and the estuary of Oued Souss (zone Z5). The analyses were done by testing physicochemical parameters (such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and conductivity) as well as microbiological and atomic adsorption analyses. The experimental results showed that the values of the physicochemical parameters were almost the same in all zones, while the microbial conditions were different, in which this is due to the existence of heavy metals. The more heavy metal concentrations affected the condition of microbes in the sea water, confirmed by the number of Escherichia coli. This study demonstrated the importance of controlling concentration of heavy metals for better sustainability of environment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suneet V. Dabke

Background. Rapid development in India has lead to pollution around industrial facilities. Earthworms are tolerant of many contaminants, and some are reported to remove heavy metals and pesticides from soil via tissue accumulation. Earthworm activity also increases levels of beneficial microbes. Objectives. Test vermi-remediation as a low-cost, on-site method of remediating heavy metal soil contamination. Methods. Soil was assessed for heavy metal contamination. Existing worm population was estimated via sampling, then the soil supplemented with beneficial bacteria, compost and a proprietary earthworm growth accelerator. Site was seeded with grass and maize, and Eisenia fetida worms introduced. Earthworm population was studied and soil contamination and accumulation in maize roots analyzed at the end of the project. Discussion. Worms were expected to remove heavy metals via bio-accumulation and also stimulate microbial remediation by increasing soil micro-organisms. Conclusions. The study showed positive results, with a reduction in chromium and survival of introduced earthworms, which reproduced after soil treatment, indicating improved conditions. Chromium concentrations were reduced to as low as 4.54mg/kg from a high of 194.17 mg/kg. There was variation in iron content and a controlled reduction in cadmium and lead. Due to limited funding, further study of the soil's final nutrient balance and earthworm analysis was not possible. Further study is necessary.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
Md Sanaullah Sarker ◽  
Quazi Forhad Quadir ◽  
Md Zakir Hossen ◽  
Touhida Nazneen ◽  
Atiqur Rahman

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, BAU to assess the heavy metal status in different feed and fertilizer samples collected from Sadar and Trisal upazilas of Mymensingh district. The feed samples included poultry and fish feeds, whereas, fertilizer samples included DAP, TSP, MOP, gypsum and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). AAS analysis of Cd, Cr and Pb showed variable levels of contamination in the fertilizer and feed samples. In case of feed samples, Cd, and Pb contents in fish feed collected from Sadar upazila was 0.159 and 3.581 mg kg-1, respectively and that of Trisal upazila was 0.441 and 153.824 mg kg-1, respectively. The content of Cd was 0.008 mg kg-1 in poultry feed but in fish feed it was 0.441 mg kg-1. The Cr content in both poultry and fish feeds collected from Sadar and Trisal upazilas were below the detection level. In general, heavy metals contaminations were higher in different fish feed samples compared to that of poultry feed samples, especially in samples from Trisal upazila.The Cd contents in DAP, TSP, MoP, gypsum and ZnSO4 collected from Sadar upazila were 1.560, 14.749, 0.137, 0.906 and 10.312 mg kg-1, respectively, and that of Trisal upazila were 1.780, 15.662, 3.988, 1.180 and 3.165 mg kg-1, respectively. The Cr contents in DAP, TSP, MoP, gypsum and ZnSO4 collected from Sadar upazila were 60.392, 206.667, 15.882, 24.314 and 11.373 mg kg-1, respectively. Whereas, mean Cr concentrations DAP, TSP, MoP and gypsum from Trisal upazila were 54.118, 168.431, 16.078 and 26.863 mgkg-1, respectively. However, in ZnSO4Cr was below the detection limit. Again, Pb contents in DAP, TSP, MoP, Gypsum and ZnSO4 collected from Sadar upazila were 12.633, 45.729, 33.586, 13.319 and 30.014 mg kg-1, respectively, and that of Trisal upazila were 4.062, 46.919, 101.205, 21.681 and 6.676 mg kg-1, respectively. In general, heavy metal contamination levels in different fertilizer samples collected from Mymensingh Sadar were higher compared to that of Trisal upazila. The results showed that despite the close proximity of the market locations, heavy metal contents may vary in fertilizer and feed samples indicating various supply chains of these essential inputs are in place and calls for greater degree of quality monitoring from the government point of view. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2017, 1 (1), 74-81


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Waseem ◽  
Jahanzaib Arshad ◽  
Farhat Iqbal ◽  
Ashif Sajjad ◽  
Zahid Mehmood ◽  
...  

Trace heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and mercury, are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. In addition to these metals, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc are also important trace micronutrients. The presence of trace heavy metals in the atmosphere, soil, and water can cause serious problems to all organisms, and the ubiquitous bioavailability of these heavy metal can result in bioaccumulation in the food chain which especially can be highly dangerous to human health. This study reviews the heavy metal contamination in several areas of Pakistan over the past few years, particularly to assess the heavy metal contamination in water (ground water, surface water, and waste water), soil, sediments, particulate matter, and vegetables. The listed contaminations affect the drinking water quality, ecological environment, and food chain. Moreover, the toxicity induced by contaminated water, soil, and vegetables poses serious threat to human health.


Author(s):  
N Derugina ◽  
N Derugina ◽  
А Grigoriev ◽  
A Grigoriev ◽  
Дарья Рябчук ◽  
...  

This project defines the pre-industrial quantities of heavy metals in sediment sequences of the Late Holocene from the Eastern Gulf of Finland. A comparative analysis reveals differences and similarities in the current concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediments and pre-industrial levels. It is found that the maximum concentrations of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Gulf of Finland and Neva Bay occurred in the period of 1950-1990. Since the 1990s, the trend has been a slow decline in the contamination levels; however, the concentrations of some heavy metals in bottom sediments remain high.


Author(s):  
Sangeetha Annam ◽  
Anshu Singla

Abstract: Soil is a major and important natural resource, which not only supports human life but also furnish commodities for ecological and economic growth. Ecological risk has posed a serious threat to the ecosystem by the degradation of soil. The high-stress level of heavy metals like chromium, copper, cadmium, etc. produce ecological risks which include: decrease in the fertility of the soil; reduction in crop yield & degradation of metabolism of living beings, and hence ecological health. The ecological risk associated, demands the assessment of heavy metal stress levels in soils. As the rate of stress level of heavy metals is exponentially increasing in recent times, it is apparent to assess or predict heavy metal contamination in soil. The assessment will help the concerned authorities to take corrective as well as preventive measures to enhance the ecological and hence economic growth. This study reviews the efficient assessment models to predict soil heavy metal contamination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah Abakpa Adegbe ◽  
Oluwaseyi Oluwabukola Babajide ◽  
Lois Riyo Maina ◽  
Shola Elijah Adeniji

Abstract Background Heavy metal accumulation in the ecosystem constitutes a potential toxic effect which is hazardous to human health. Increasing environmental pollution has necessitated the use of cattle egrets to evaluate the levels of heavy metal contamination, to establish their use in biomonitoring of heavy metals and to provide data for monitoring pollution in the environment. Results The present study assessed the utilization of Bubulcus ibis in monitoring pollution in five abattoirs, namely Agege, Bariga, Kara, Itire and Idi-Araba, all situated in Lagos State. The concentration of five (5) heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was determined in the liver, muscle and feather of Bubulcus ibis using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The trend of metal accumulation was in the order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni for all the sampled tissues. The mean tissue concentrations of the metals were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the sites. The highest levels of metal concentration were reported in the liver in all the locations. Mean concentration of Cd in Kara (0.003 ± 0.00058) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those found at Agege (0.0013 ± 0.00058) and Idi-Araba (0.001 ± 0.001). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the mean concentrations of Cu in Bariga (0.01 ± 0.001) and Idi-Araba (0.003 ± 0.001). Conclusion All the studied heavy metals were present in the liver, muscle and feathers of the cattle egrets. The contamination levels were ascertained from the study which indicated that cattle egrets are useful in biomonitoring studies and the generated data will serve as baseline data which could be compared with data from other locations for monitoring heavy metal pollution.


Author(s):  
Monika Hejna ◽  
Elisabetta Onelli ◽  
Alessandra Moscatelli ◽  
Maurizio Bellotto ◽  
Cinzia Cristiani ◽  
...  

Sustainable agriculture is aimed at long-term crop and livestock production with a minimal impact on the environment. However, agricultural practices from animal production can contribute to global pollution due to heavy metals from the feed additives that are used to ensure the nutritional requirements and also promote animal health and optimize production. The bioavailability of essential mineral sources is limited; thus, the metals are widely found in the manure. Via the manure, metallic ions can contaminate livestock wastewater, drastically reducing its potential recycling for irrigation. Phytoremediation, which is an efficient and cost-effective cleanup technique, could be implemented to reduce the wastewater pollution from livestock production, in order to maintain the water conservation. Plants use various strategies for the absorption and translocation of heavy metals, and they have been widely used to remediate livestock wastewater. In addition, the pollutants concentrated in the plants can be exhausted and used as heat to enhance plant growth and further concentrate the metals, making recycling a possible option. The biomass of the plants can also be used for biogas production in anaerobic fermentation. Combining phytoremediation and biorefinery processes would add value to both approaches and facilitate metal recovery. This review focuses on the concept of agro-ecology, specifically the excessive use of heavy metals in animal production, the various techniques and adaptations of the heavy-metal phytoremediation from livestock wastewater, and further applications of exhausted phytoremediated biomass.


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