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Microplastic Contamination in Edible Tissues of Broiler and Free -Range Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from Nigeria: Polymer and Morphological Characterisation Using ATR-FTIR and SEM with Comparison of KOH and Fenton Digestion Protocols
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles, including common types like polyethylene and polystyrene, in the liver, heart, and muscle of chickens sold in Nigeria, with the liver most contaminated. Since chicken is a widely eaten food, this suggests poultry could be a hidden way people are exposed to microplastics, though more research is needed to understand health risks.
Microplastic (MP) contamination of commercially consumed poultry tissues represents an emerging but poorly characterized food safety risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where plastic waste management infrastructure is severely inadequate. This study aims to identify and characterize MPs from liver, heart, and breast muscle of broiler and local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria using ATR-FTIR and SEM, compare KOH and Fenton digestion efficiency, A total of 30 samples (liver, heart and muscle) from ten chickens were processed using two independent digestion protocols: Alkaline (10% w/v KOH) and Fenton oxidative (H2O2/Fe2+), each applied to separate samples across three tissues. Isolated particles were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). ATR-FTIR identified five polymer types: polyethylene (PE) at 63.2%, polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at 47.4%, polypropylene (PP) 15.7% and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 10.5%. Broiler tissues showed consistently more accumulation and polymer diversity. A tissue-specific accumulation hierarchy was demonstrated: with liver showing the highest MPs accumulation and polymer diversity. Fenton oxidative digestion produced higher detection frequency of PET polymer among analysed samples and efficient in dissolving lipid rich biological tissues. SEM analysis of 19 MP-positive filter samples revealed four morphological categories: fragments, fibers, foam and spheres. This study provides preliminary evidence of MPs contamination in edible tissues of chickens which suggests that poultry tissues may represent a potential exposure pathway in humans. It also recommends Fenton digestion as the protocol for tissues with high fat content in MP analysis.
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Environmentally-Acquired Microplastics in Edible Tissues of Broiler and Free-Range Local Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Nigeria: ATR-FTIR and SEM Characterization Comparing Alkaline (KOH) and Fenton Oxidative Digestion Mercy O. Boyi1*Adetutu O. Aliyu2 Saidu Garba2 Abdulafeez O. Akorede
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Researchers testing chicken meat, liver, and heart from Nigerian farms found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in all the tissues they examined, with the liver having the most, likely because it filters substances absorbed from the gut. Farm-raised broiler chickens had more plastic contamination than free-range birds, probably picking up plastic from feed bags and plastic equipment used in intensive farming, which means the way chickens are raised may affect how much plastic ends up on your plate. While this study was done in Nigeria, it adds to growing evidence that eating meat may be one everyday way people are exposed to microplastics
Microplastic Contamination in Commercial Poultry Feed and Edible Chicken Tissues: An Emerging Environmental Concer
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in commercial poultry feed and edible chicken tissues from farms near Rajshahi City, Bangladesh, finding microplastics in all samples tested. Feed samples contained an average of 18.7 microplastic particles per gram, while chicken meat averaged 0.95 particles per gram, with fibers being the dominant shape. The study raises concerns about the transfer of microplastics from feed to edible poultry tissues as a pathway for human dietary exposure.
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Researchers in Pakistan found microplastics in the crops and gizzards of poultry chickens from eight different farms, identifying over 1,200 particles across 24 samples. Fibers were the most common type, likely coming from plastic feed bags and the farm environment. Since chicken is a major protein source, this study reveals another pathway through which microplastics may enter the human diet.
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This review examines how microplastic pollution affects poultry health and food safety, finding that microplastics have been detected in chicken meat from supermarkets and open markets. Evidence indicates that microplastics can damage vital organs in poultry, reduce egg production, and accumulate in edible tissues. The authors also review biodegradation techniques using microorganisms as a potential strategy for reducing microplastic contamination in the food supply.
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