Spatio-temporal Variation and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals in Various Edible Parts of Chicken

Chicken is one of the most consumed food products worldwide, but due to ingestion of contaminated feed and water, some toxic metals may be accumulated resulting in adverse health effects. The present study was focused on toxic metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) quantification in edible parts of chicken (muscle, liver, and gizzard), spatial-temporal variations, mutual associations, and associated health risks. The samples (n ≈ 240) were collected on monthly basis (October 2022 to May 2023) from ten different markets of Abbottabad City, Pakistan, and the metal contents were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. The average concentrations of Cd and Pb were considerably higher in the liver samples (0.5189 ± 0.164 and 0.301 ± 0.095 mg/kg, respectively), while gizzard samples depicted elevated levels of Cr (1.163 ± 0.367 mg/kg). The metal contents revealed substantial temporal variations during the study period and most of the samples collected during winter season (October to February) from Sabzi Mandi, Kehal, Malik Pura, and Mirpur locations exhibited significant levels of the toxic metals. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations (p ≤ 0.05) between Cr and Pb, among the sampling months and localities. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and health risk index (HRI) values for Cd and Cr were relatively higher (> 1), but the integrated indices: target hazard quotient (THQ), health index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) remained within accepted safe limits. Our findings provide baseline data for regional food safety, quality, and public health; however, continuous monitoring and improved poultry feed and water management are warranted.