Transfer of Non-Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) from Feed and Soil into Hen Eggs

Understanding the transfer of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) into foods of animal origin is crucial for human health risk assessment. In two experiments, we investigated the transfer of ndl-PCBs from contaminated feed and soil into eggs and meat of laying hens. The transfer from the feed was investigated with 30 laying hens. The treated hens were divided into two groups fed a contaminated diet (12.8 mu g/kg sum of indicator ndl-PCBs; 88% dry matter (DM)) for 28 and 63 days, respectively, and then experienced a depuration period of 100 days with control feed. The transfer from soil was investigated with 72 laying hens kept in three separate outdoor pens (with three levels of ndl-PCB soil contamination) for 168 days. In both experiments, eggs were collected and analyzed for ndl-PCBs. In the second experiment, animals (n = 3 at the beginning, n = 6 per group after 42, 84, and 168 days) were slaughtered to determine ndl-PCBs in meat (breast muscle tissue) fat. The transfer of ndl-PCB from both feed and soil was clearly measurable and concentrations in eggs quickly exceeded maximum levels. Clear differences between individual congeners were observed. In particular, the low-chlorinated ndl-PCBs 52 and 101 are hardly found in eggs, despite their relatively high concentration in feed and soil. PCBs 138, 153, and 180, on the other hand, were found in large proportions in eggs and meat.

Automated summary

Understanding the transfer of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl-PCBs) into animal-derived foods is crucial for assessing human health risks. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the transfer of ndl-PCBs from contaminated feed and soil into eggs and meat of laying hens. The results showed measurable transfer of ndl-PCBs from both feed and soil, with concentrations in eggs quickly exceeding maximum levels. Different congeners of ndl-PCBs exhibited distinct distribution patterns, with low-chlorinated ndl-PCBs 52 and 101 hardly found in eggs despite their high concentration in feed and soil, while PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were found in significant proportions in eggs and meat.