Heavy metal contamination in swiftlet feathers: A comparative study of chromium and arsenic levels in industrial and non-industrial areas of East Java, Indonesia

This study examines the levels of chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) in the feathers of edible-nest swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) from two distinct environments: an industrial area in Gresik, and a non-industrial area in Nganjuk, Indone-sia. Feather samples were collected from swiftlet houses in both locations and an-alyzed using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer. The results revealed that the average Cr concentration in feathers from Gresik was 3.36 ppm, compared to 1.49 ppm in Nganjuk. Similarly, the average As concentration in Gresik was 2.34 ppm, whereas in Nganjuk obtained it was 1.22 ppm. These differences may be attributed to factors such as air quality in flight areas, the drinking water consumed by the birds, and the quality of their food sources. The findings indicate that swiftlets inhabiting industrial regions are exposed to higher levels of heavy metals, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on bioaccumulation. This study underscores the potential of swiftlet feathers as bioindicators of environmental pollution.