Trace element composition of Gallus gallus domesticus eggs and health risks associated with their consumption in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Using a multivariate approach, this study investigated the trace element composition and concentration in Gallus gallus domesticus eggs. A total of 51 freshly laid Gallus gallus domesticus egg samples were randomly obtained and analyzed for trace elements using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the levels of zinc, lead, nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron and copper were in the range of 2.16 ± 0.03 – 7.43 ± 0.98 mg/L, <0.001 ± 0.00 – 9.86 ± 1.01 mg/L, <0.001 ± 0.00 – 1.44 ± 0.30 mg/L, <0.001 ± 0.00 – 0.35 ± 0.01 mg/L, <0.001 ± 0.00 – 0.76 ± 0.04 mg/L, 2.93 ± 1.01 – 11.52 ± 1.54 mg/L and 0.03 ± 0.05 – 0.967 ± 0.06 mg/L, respectively. However, mercury, chromium, and cadmium were not detected in all the samples. This suggests the absence of toxicity risk due to these non-essential elements in the eggs, especially when they are consumed. Moreover, the target hazard quotient and total target hazard quotient of the eggs were less than 1, thereby suggesting no probable harm, as well as non-carcinogenic hazards respectively.