Abstract

ECONOMICS OF HEALTH HAZARD: EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON EGG CONTENTS OF HENS AND DUCKS AROUND THERMAL POWER PLANTS IN ANGUL

H. Pradhan* and B. C. Pradhan

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a great concern since its non-biodegradable and long persistence nature in the environment. It poses a threat to human health via bioaccumulation and bio-magnification process. The present study was conducted to determine the heavy metals content in hens and ducks egg collected from Angul region, India. The concentrations of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) was found below the detection limit both in hens and ducks egg. The concentrations of Iron (Fe) varied between 58.4-78.90 mg/kg in yolk of hens and ducks whereas in albumin this amount ranged between 3.90-11.62 mg/kg. In yolk, the highest value (78.90 mg/kg) was recorded in the eggs of layer hen while the lowest concentration (58.4 mg/ kg) was found in indigenous duck’s eggs. In albumin, the maximum concentration (11.62 mg/kg) was found in indigenous duck’s eggs whereas the minimum value (3.90 mg/kg) was found in indigenous hen’s eggs. The amount of Copper (Cu) varied between 1.85-3.95 mg/kg in yolk of hens and ducks while in albumin these values ranged between 0.25-1.15 mg/kg. In yolk of indigenous hen’s eggs, highest value (3.95 mg/kg) was recorded whereas the lowest concentration 1.85 mg/kg was found in eggs of layer hen. In albumin the highest concentration (1.15 mg/ kg) was recorded in domestic duck’s eggs whereas the lowest value (0.25 mg/kg) was found in indigenous hen’s eggs. Significant differences were found in the concentrations of Fe (p=0.00) and Cu (p=0.00) in yolk as well as albumin. But no substantial differences were recorded in the amount of Fe (p=0.998) and Cu (p=0.458) in terms of animals type (indigenous hen, indigenous duck, layer hen).

Keywords: Heavy metals; Egg; Hen; Duck; Angul.