May 12, 2021 · This study investigated the contents and speciation of the heavy metals As, Cd, Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn in a chicken manure-compost-soil-apple system. As, Cd, and Hg concentrations in chicken manure samples exceeded the National Agricultural Standard for Organic Fertilizers of China. Moreover, the composting process further increased heavy metal concentrations in the chicken manure. However