Assessment of heavy metals profile in feathers of birds from Kano metropolis, Nigeria, in 2019

Contamination by heavy metals has been a major threat locally, regionally, and globally because it affects the structural and functional properties of an environment. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn) in the feathers of bird species sampled from three areas in Kano metropolis, Nigeria.

Fifteen samples of birds’ feathers were collected from industrial, residential, and commercial areas using mist-nets which were randomly placed to catch passerine birds, early in the morning from 6a.m. to 8a.m. The collected samples were then digested and subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn.

The highest concentrations of heavy metals in the birds’ feathers were observed in site A (Sharada) followed by site B (Kurmi market) and site C (Rijiyar Lemo), however, the difference in the concentrations of heavy metals between the study areas was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Pb had the highest concentration followed by Cd, Cr, and Mn. The highest concentrations of metals were found in the feathers of cattle egret (Pb=89 ppm, Cd=45 ppm, Mn=0.022 ppm), mallard drake (Pb=78 ppm), hen (Cd =41 ppm), duck (Cr =2.75 ppm), rooster (Mn =0.024 ppm), and guinea fowl (Cd =41 ppm), respectively.

The birds’ feathers contained various levels of heavy metals which greatly reflect the nature of the sites. Sharada industrial area (site A) recorded the highest concentrations of metals indicating slight metal contamination in the birds’ feathers especially in site A.