Free-range poultry eggs as an emerging tool for pollution bio-indication
Abstract
Environmental pollution disrupts aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, constituting a risk to the human survival due to the harmful effects of different pollutants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and radionuclides. Specifically, long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) causes kidney damage, bone fragility, and fractures. Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are known for their haematotoxic and neurotoxic properties. Arsenic (As) can cause skin cancer, hyperkeratosis lesions, skin pigmentation disorders, as well as lung cancer [1]. Additionally, POPs, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and dioxins, are a class of carbon-based organic chemicals characterized by their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential for long-range transport. These substances are recognized as hazardous pollutants and endocrine disruptors [2]. Because of this evidence, efforts are made to assess environmental pollution in order to guarantee a balanced ecosystem and human health.
- Publication:
-
Eco-Environment & Health
- Pub Date:
- March 2024
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.12.001
- Bibcode:
- 2024EcoEH...3...77Z