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Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the cited data of Cd and Pb levels in the green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis) with established maximum limits of both metals by European Union (EU) legislation for animal feeds. It was found that most mussel populations from Malaysia (90% for Cd; 87.5% for Pb) and Hong Kong (96.2% for Cd; 100% for Pb) were found to have lower levels of Cd and Pb than the maximum limits for animal feeds by EU. Therefore, both toxic metals based on the feeds of mussel meats on the animals should not pose serious toxicological effects. However, the meat of P. viridis are potential animal feeds similarly to the fish meal. Considering the accumulation of metals in the long term, future biomonitoring of Cd and Pb should focus on animal feed materials on mussel-based origins.

Keywords: Animal Feed; Mussels; Safety

Introduction

Heavy metal contamination in animal diets has been studied and reported in the literature [1-3]. This was due to the fact that heavy metals like Cd and Pb can be found in most animal meals and feed materials. Toxic metals can come from the environment as well as man-made causes [4,5]. Metal pollutants may be introduced to poultry animals' bodies when they consume polluted animal feed [6]. As a result, the European Union (EU) [7] has rules in place to address the pollution of animal feed and feed materials.

The green-lipped mussel Perna viridis was chosen in this study because this marine mussel species is abundant and widely distributed in Malaysia [8] and Hong Kong [9] coastal waters. Both countries have implemented the Mussel Watch program for biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution in the coastal waters. The objective of this study was to compare the cited data of Cd and Pb levels in P. viridis with established maximum limits of both metals by European Union [7] legislation for animal feeds.

Materials and Methods

The data of Cd and Pb concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) of P. viridis were cited from two major publications from Hong Kong and Malaysia. For mussels from Malaysia, the data of both metals of 40 populations (from 20 geographical sampling sites) were cited from [8], collected between 2002-2009. For mussels from Hong Kong, they were cited from [9] of 26 populations (from 5 geographical sampling sites), collected between 1998-2003. Since the maximum limit (content) in mg/kg (ppm) relative to a feed with a moisture content of 12 % for animal feed [7], the cited data were converted into a moisture of 12% by multiplying 0.88 for valid comparison with maximum limits of Cd and Pb.

Results and Discussion

The comparison of Cd and Pb concentrations (mg/kg) in P. viridis from Hong Kong with the maximum limits for feed materials of animal-based origin [7] are presented in Table 1. Out of 26 populations, they was only 1 population (3.8%) exceeded the maximum limit for Cd while all populations were below the maximum limit for Pb.

The comparison of Cd and Pb concentrations (mg/kg) in P. viridis from Malaysia with the maximum limits for feed materials of animal-based origin [7] are presented in Table 2. Out of 40 populations, they were 4 (10%) and 5 (12.5%) populations exceeded the maximum limits for Cd and Pb, respectively.

Because some populations in Malaysia and Hong Kong surpassed the maximum Cd and Pb limits, the toxicological impacts of both harmful metals on animals should be taken seriously. However, toxicological effects on animals are expected to be lessened because animal feeds are often composed of a variety of ingredients, and mussel feed may contain up to 50% mussel meal, for example, giving a 7% mussel meal diet to a typical laying hen for egg production [10,11]. Jonsson and Elwinger have previously examined and advocated mussel meal as a fish meal substitute in organic poultry feeding (2009). As a result, the meat of P. viridis, like fish meal, could be employed as a possible animal feed, and more toxicological research is needed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, most mussel populations in Malaysia (90 percent for Cd; 87.5 percent for Pb) and Hong Kong (96.2 percent for Cd; 100 percent for Pb) had lower levels of Cd and Pb than the EU's maximum limits for animal feeds [7]. As a result, both hazardous metals derived from mussel meat feeds on animals should not have major toxicological effects. However, mussel meal, like fish meal, has the potential to be used as animal feed. Given the long-term buildup of metals, future Cd and Pb biomonitoring should concentrate on animal feed materials derived from mussels due to the toxicological effects of both toxic metals on animals.

References

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