Human Health Risk via Cadmium Concentration in Different Tissues of Domesticated Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) and Wild Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Quail hunting is a major socioeconomic practice in Egyptian coastal areas. The accumulation of cadmium in feathers (chest and tail), muscle, kidneys and livers were analyzed and compared in both wild migratory and domesticated Japanese quails using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Domesticated Japanese quail recorded higher concentrations of cadmium than the wild one. Cadmium concentration was higher in kidneys and livers than that in the pectoral muscle and feathers. To assess potential risk to human health, daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. The EDI in all tissues was within the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limit except for kidney values in domesticated species. THQ of all tested organs was less than one, indicating that harmful impacts are not expected. People should avoid eating kidneys and livers of quail in their diets but can safely feed on muscles as they accumulate low percentage of the toxic cadmium.