Determination of Potential Toxic Elements in Poultry Feeds Available in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Technique

Abstract

This study assessed the concentrations of selected elements in commercial poultry feeds marketed in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Ten poultry feed samples were purposively selected from four brands and analysed for bromine (Br), nickel (Ni), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), scandium (Sc), niobium (Nb), tin (Sn) and silver (Ag). The results revealed variations in elemental concentrations and detection frequencies across the samples. Bromine, strontium, yttrium and zirconium were detected in all ten samples, whereas barium was detected in seven samples (70%), silver in five (50%), niobium in three (30%), and nickel, scandium and tin in two, two and one samples, respectively. Bromine concentrations ranged from 48.8 to 213 mg/kg, with a mean of 116.2 mg/kg. Barium ranged from 320 to 727 mg/kg, averaging 547.6 mg/kg, while strontium ranged from 1,290 to 17,200 mg/kg, with a mean of 5,757 mg/kg. Yttrium concentrations varied from 26.3 to 338 mg/kg, whereas zirconium ranged from 365 to 3,990 mg/kg. Scandium concentrations of 12,900 and 29,300 mg/kg were recorded in two samples. Silver concentrations ranged from 68.1 to 141 mg/kg in the five samples where it was detected. These findings demonstrate substantial differences in the elemental composition of the poultry feeds examined. The results highlight the importance of routine monitoring and quality control of commercial poultry feeds. Further confirmatory analyses and comparison with applicable feed-safety standards are necessary to establish the significance of the measured concentrations for animal health and food safety.