Heavy metals in honey and poultry eggs as indicators of environmental pollution and potential risks to human health

During recent decades, adverse effects of unexpected contaminants, such as heavy metals on widely consumed diets have threatened human health. The objective of this study was to determine heavy metal levels in honey and poultry eggs collected from six different regions located in Algeria. Sixty samples (30 multifloral honey and 30 poultry eggs) were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Pb, Cd and As, and results were compared with published data from other countries. Metal pollution index (MPI) and dietary risks (THQ and HI) were calculated for infants and adults through honey and egg consumption scenarios. The mean concentrations of metals were in the order Pb (0.148 +/- 0.128 mu g/g) > Cd (0.071 +/- 0.062 mu g/g) > As (0.0128 +/- 0.0140 mu g/g) in honey and Pb (0.388 +/- 0.397 mu g/g) > Cd (0.250 +/- 0.263 mu g/g) > As (0.018 +/- 0.024 mu g/g) in eggs. Daily intake levels were higher than permissible limits in infants for Pb, As and Cd for honey, and Cd for eggs in polluted areas (Oran, Chlef and Relizane). Additionally, THQ in infants was higher than 1 in honey for Pb (1.08), Cd (3.67) and As (1.24), and in eggs for Cd (1.55) in polluted areas. Consequently, HI was higher than 1 in infants (5.99 and 2.06) for honey and eggs, respectively collected from polluted areas. Our results reported a potential risk of heavy metals, especially, for infants in polluted areas through honey and egg consumption. Moreover, future multidisciplinary studies to explore the correlation of metal levels in honey and egg samples with feed, water and soil will be necessary to better implement the management measures and policies. In the same way, the use of new pollution bioindicators (honey and eggs) may contribute effectively to the anticipation, decision-making and management of pollution-related problems.

Automated summary

During recent decades, the adverse effects of heavy metal contaminants in commonly consumed foods such as honey and poultry eggs have become a threat to human health. This study analyzed the levels of heavy metals in honey and eggs collected from different regions in Algeria. The results showed high concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in both honey and eggs, with infants in polluted areas being at a higher risk due to their consumption. Future research should explore the correlation between metal levels in honey and eggs with feed, water, and soil, in order to develop effective management measures and policies.