INVESTIGATION OF HEAVY METAL (CADMIUM, IRON, AND COPPER) RESIDUE IN BLOOD AND DRINKING WATER OF CHICKENS SOLD AT IBADAN LIVE BIRD MARKETS

ABSTRACT This study investigated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in chickens sold at live bird markets across 11 locations within eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria. Blood and drinking water samples were collected and analyzed using standard analytical procedures. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, t-tests, and ANOVA were employed to assess differences in concentrations between sample types and across markets, while results were also compared with World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The results showed that the mean cadmium concentration across samples was 0.0233 mg, with a maximum of 0.045 mg, both of which are below the WHO limit of 0.06 mg. Iron levels were significantly higher in blood (mean = 2.939 mg) compared to water (mean = 0.879 mg), with a t-value of 8.684 (p < 0.001). Copper also showed a significant difference (p = 0.011), with higher levels in blood (mean = 0.049 mg) than in water (mean = 0.013 mg). Across the 11 markets, cadmium concentrations varied significantly (p = 0.0188), with Green Pasture showing the highest mean (0.034 mg) and Bodija the lowest (0.012 mg). However, no significant differences were observed for iron and copper across markets. Importantly, the mean levels of all three elements—cadmium (0.0234 mg), iron (2.607 mg), and copper (0.0427 mg)—were below WHO recommended daily allowances (0.06 mg, 8 mg, and 0.9 mg respectively). These findings suggest that chickens sold at Ibadan live bird markets generally do not pose a risk of exceeding WHO safety thresholds for cadmium, iron, and copper exposure. Nevertheless, the significant differences in cadmium levels across markets highlight the need for targeted monitoring and improved regulatory measures to prevent potential accumulation in poultry and safeguard public health.