Health Risk Contamination of Heavy Metals in Yolk and Albumen of Duck Eggs Collected in Central and Western Thailand

Two hundred duck egg samples were collected from 20 farms in Central and Western Thailand. The levels of Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, and Cr in yolks were found significantly higher than in albumen, whereas the levels of Cd and Cu contaminations in egg albumen were significantly higher than in yolks. The mean level of Pb contamination in whole eggs was 4.06 +/- 2.70 mg kg(-1) dry weight. This level was higher than the Thai agricultural standard no. 6703-2005 for duck eggs set at 0.1 ppm for the magnitude of 40.6 times. In addition, 98% (196/200) of duck egg samples had Pb levels higher than the standard limit. However, the calculation of daily intakes of Pb, Cd, and Cu contamination in the current study of duck eggs shows that these metals were lower than the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization provisional tolerated daily intake. These levels may, however, present a health risk resulting from a long-term exposure. It can be concluded that consumers may be at risk of Pb, Cd, and Cu contamination if they consume contaminated duck eggs. In addition, long-term monitoring of the health risks of heavy metals contamination should be conducted concerning the duck egg production system in Thailand.