Toxicological analysis of metals content in agro-food wastes as possible supplement in animal feed.

ABSTRACT

The agro-food surplus is considered the most abundant renewable resource, interesting for the economic and environmental impact, with a possible employment in different productive fields such as supplement in animal feed. For a safe and effective enhancement of agro-food wastes it is needed a toxicological analysis before of their employment, to avoid potential risks to animals, humans and environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metals content (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, Ni, V, Sb, Mo, Cr and Pb, Cd, As, Ba), in agro-food wastes through ICP-MS analysis. The results obtained showed the presence of metals analysed with a significant content of essential micro and macro-elements; with regard to toxic metals, only strawberries and fennel samples showed Pb levels above the MRL. These data confirm, from the toxicological point of view, a possible and safe reuse of the most of all agro-food wastes, as raw material at low cost and rich of essential nutrients and particularly as supplement in animal feed.