Analysis of microbiological and chemical quality of poultry meat in the vicinity of the Mbeubeuss landfill in Malika (Senegal)

A total of 100 samples of poultry meat were collected in poultry farms in the vicinity of the Mbeubeuss landfill in the Niayes (Senegal) for microbiological and chemical analysis. Fifty-four (54) samples were collected in farms located less than 1 km from the landfill and 46 samples were collected in farms located a bit further (more than 1 km from the landfill). Microbiological quality was determined using techniques recommended by Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR). Lead and cadmium concentration in poultry meat was measured by flame spectrometry while total mercury was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Three percent (3%) of the samples’ quality were unsatisfactory for E. coli, 1% for Staphylococci and 7% for Salmonella spp. Poor meat quality was found either in farms located less than 1 km of the landfill or in farms located at more than 1 km of the landfill. Except for Salmonella, only meat samples from poultry receiving drinking water from well showed unsatisfactory microbiological quality. The samples were free of cadmium and lead but were contaminated by mercury. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the samples contained mercury with a high contamination level (>0.011 mg/kg) in 20% of the samples. No significant difference was found between the farms that were nearest to and further away from the landfill while the source of drinking water seemed to be the main cause of contamination of poultry meat by mercury.