Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the heavy metal content in eggs and feeding stuffs dedicated to organically reared birds as an indirect indicator of agricultural environment pollution. The material consisted of 180 table eggs, from caged hens and two organic farms (OF) with different locations. Feed samples were also collected. The samples were mineralised and the content of Ca, Na Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Cu (in yolks) and Pb, Cd, As, Cr (in yolks and feed) was determined. The home-produced feed mixtures contained higher doses of heavy metals (HM) compared to their commercial equivalents. Although no high levels of HM contamination were found in the feed compounds, their content in the eggs was significantly higher than in the feed. Also, depending on the region of the study, metal concentration levels can vary significantly. Due to the area-limited nature of poultry production sites, eggs obtained in specific areas can serve as an indirect and non-invasive bioindicator of environmental HM pollution. The analyse of correlations between particular elements allows to assess the impact and extent of pollutant emitters and to model the areas designated for OF to ensure that the produced food is as safe as possible.
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