Do homegrown cage-free chickens from an old arsenic mine pose health risks to consumers?

Home-grown cage-free chickens were collected from two residents' backyards around the Shimen Realgar Mine, Hunan province, China, which were then analysed for arsenic (As) concentrations and its species in various organs/tissues. The total As concentrations (dry weight) are in the range as, muscle (0.82-1.23), feathers (7.05-15.80), liver (1.35-1.63), heart (1.17-1.72), stomach (1.83-3.28), stomach skin (1.99-10.58), gastric contents (12.99-20.12) and eggs (0.73-0.88) mg/kg. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) is the predominant As compounds determined by HPLC-ICP-MS, accounting for 76-100% of the extractable total As species in muscle, stomach, liver, heart and eggs of chicken from both backyards. Inorganic As was the main As species (23-82%) in stomach skin, gastric contents and feathers. Besides, AsB and an unknown As compounds were detected in most of the samples, although in relatively low proportions (<13.90%). Further analysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) provides additional information about the non-extractable and unidentified As form such as As(III)-tris-glutathione (As(III)-GSH). The estimated daily intake of As is acceptable, the corresponding hazard quotient values indicate that consumption of the chicken from the realgar mine may pose little health risks to consumers.

Automated summary

This study investigated the arsenic concentrations and species in home-grown cage-free chickens collected from residents' backyards near the Shimen Realgar Mine in Hunan province, China. The predominant form of arsenic found in the chicken's muscle, stomach, liver, heart, and eggs was dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Inorganic arsenic was the main species in the stomach skin, gastric contents, and feathers. Additional information about non-extractable and unidentified forms of arsenic was obtained through X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis. Overall, the estimated daily intake of arsenic from consuming chicken raised near the realgar mine was acceptable, and the corresponding hazard quotient values indicated minimal health risks for consumers.