Bioaccumulation of Zinc and Copper in Tissues of Chicken Fed Corn Grain Irrigated with Different Water Regimes

Abstract

Water scarcity in agriculture sector enforces farmers to apply urban waste water without considering its pollutant effects on the environment. The aim of present research was to observe the effect of sewage, canal and ground water on accumulation of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in different parts of corn plants and also in tissues of chicken that were reared on grains of corn crop in two growing seasons, spring and autumn during 2016. Representative samples of water, soil, grains and different chicken parts were assayed for Zn and Cu contents. There were higher concentrations of Zn (8.97–11.47 mg/kg) and Cu (14.73–15.45 mg/kg) in sewage water irrigated soil compared with other sources of water. In spring season, the highest concentration of zinc (5.28 mg/kg) and copper (2.65 mg/kg) was found in grains of Sadaf variety at sewage water treatment. In autumn season, maximum level of zinc (0.38 mg/kg) was found in grains of Sadaf variety at sewage water treatment and copper (3.60 mg/kg) was found in grains of MMRI variety at sewage water treatment. Similarly the group of chickens that consumed the grains raised with sewage water showed higher concentrations of Zn and Cu in their all body parts. However, Cu in contrast to Zn was found above the permissible limits in selected chicken parts due to irrigation with sewage water showing the transferability of this metal threatening the health issues. The values of transfer factor for Zn were greater than Cu. Target hazard quotient (THQ) was also calculated to estimate the potential consumer health risk of Zn and Cu contamination from consumption of selected chicken parts (liver, breast meat and gizzard) and the THQ values for both Cu and Zn were < 1 indicating that the consumption of these chicken edibles was safe for human. However, this study can only be regarded as preliminary since there is a dire need for more comprehensive study for the public awareness to combat health issues.