SCREENING FOR HEAVY METAL CONTAMINANTS IN FEED, WATER AND EGGS FROM A SELECTED POULTRY FARM IN IBADAN

Poultry products, such as eggs, meat, liver, and meat products are worldwide primary sources of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals because they are nutritious, delicious, and affordable as well as providing much of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of trace minerals, proteins, and energy. Due to on-going exposure to heavy metals, bioaccumulation of Mn, Ni, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Pb, takes place in a variety of organs in chickens, primarily the kidneys, liver, reproductive organs, and lungs. The accumulation of heavy metals puts human health at risk resulting in both gross and histopathological changes, ultimately leading to impaired growth and production when consuming chicken or poultry animals. This study was conducted in order to determine the heavy metals contamination in poultry feed, egg and water samples collected at a farm in Ibadan. The samples of feed, eggs and water collected were analysed using standard atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese(Mn), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). The analytical values of heavy metal contamination showed variations, some results were below, within and exceeded the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Elevated concentrations of Pb and Cd were observed in certain egg and feed samples, raising concerns about bioaccumulation and potential health risks to consumers. Long-term consumption of egg especially by children can lead to chronic health effects. Therefore, it is recommended to pay serious attention to pollutant discharge into the environment; monitor chemicals residue, especially toxic heavy metals in the foodstuffs; control heavy metals content during the whole production process, and research on the effects of hen diet supplementation with various metal contents. Bioremediation is a natural way of using living things such as bacteria, fungi, or plants to clean up pollution from soil, water, and even air. Bioremediation can be featured as a practical solution for both treatment and prevention. This proves that local microbes can restore contaminated land. For certain crops around farms and factories can act as a buffer zone to absorb heavy metals before they enter water. Constructed wetlands and biofilters can also be built into waste systems to stop pollution before it spreads. Communities can use composting and natural methods to reduce harmful waste. Although bioremediation takes time and may not remove all pollutants completely, it remains one of the most sustainable and affordable options. Keywords; Mn, Ni, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, RDA, WHO, and FAO