Abstract

This study was aimed at determination of potentially toxic metals in poultry litter from selected poultry farms in Wurukum and Wadata areas in Makurdi Local Government. Samples of poultry litter were collected from seven poultry farms; Zoe Livestock Farm (ZLF), James Farm (JAF), Divine Favour Farmland (DFF), Johnson Poultry Farm (JPF) from the Wurukum axis and God’s Own Farm (GOF), Mr. Tersoo Farm (MTF), Aondofa Integrated Farm (AIF) from Wadata and were analysed for Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentration of the metals in the various samples indicated that Cd was only present in ZLF (2.10 mg/kg) from Wurukum. The concentrations of Cu, Cr, Fe Mn, Pb and Zn in all the samples (ZLF, JAF, DFF, JPE, GOF, MTF and AIF) were 24.0 ± 5.0, 19.0 ± 1.0, 37.0 ± 0.8, 62.0 ± 0.7, 164 ± 4.0, 44.0 ± 1.0 and 43.0 ± 3.0 mg/kg, respectively. The level of Fe in (ZLF, JAF, DFF, JPF, GOF, MTF and AIF) were 399 ± 5, 671 ± 2, 771 ± 12, 1810 ± 20, 6630 ± 25, 1130 ± 3 and 1050 ± 15 mg/kg, respectively. Manganese concentration were of Mn in the samples (ZLF, JAF, DFF, JPE, GOF, MTF and AIF) were 238 ± 4, 167 ± 7, 244 ± 9, 281 ± 8, 257 ± 7, 273 ± 2 and 45.0 ± 4, respectively. Lead was not present in all the samples while Zn gave the following results in the samples (ZLF, JAF, DFF, JPF, GOF, MTF and AIF); 256 ± 6, 261 ± 1, 200 ± 2, 246 ± 6, 5630 ± 10, 260 ± 8 and 218 ± 1 mg/kg, respectively. The results gave the following sequence in all the samples; Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Cr or Pb. The result indicates high levels of PTM and there is need for continuous examination of poultry litter for safer environment.