The toxicity, bioaccumulation, and potential food safety risks of pentachlorophenol in broiler chickens

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a persistent organic pollutant, poses serious environmental and food safety concerns due to its bioaccumulation in animal products and potential toxic effects at low doses reflective of real-world contamination. This study investigated the effects of dietary PCP exposure (0.01-5 mg/kg feed) on broiler chickens over 42 days, focusing on growth performance, hematological and biochemical changes, histopathological alterations, and tissue residues. While growth was not significantly affected, dose-dependent trends suggested reduced feed efficiency at higher concentrations. PCP exposure resulted in liver inflammation, kidney damage, and disruptions in lipid metabolism and organ function, evidenced by increased triglycerides, creatinine, and liver enzymes. Residue analysis using a validated LC-MS/MS method confirmed a dose-dependent increase in PCP accumulation. The highest levels were detected in the liver (2075 µg/kg) and kidney (1610 µg/kg) at 5 mg/kg. The carry-over factor peaked at 0.05 mg/kg (1.15 in the liver and 1.12 in the kidney) but declined at higher doses, suggesting saturation or enhanced detoxification mechanisms at increased exposure levels. These findings underscore the environmental risks associated with PCP contamination and emphasize the urgent need for regulatory measures to limit its presence in animal feed, ensuring the safety of the food supply chain.