Study on lead and cadmium levels in milk in Assiut governorate

Abstract EN

Sixty samples of milk were collected randomly from different dairy farms (30 samples) and from market raw milk (30 samples) to estimate lead and cadmium levels.

The obtained values were compared with the permissible acceptable limits of lead and cadmium.

Higher values of lead and cadmium were found as compared with the permissible acceptable limits.

The results showed that the mean lead level of farm milk (0.317 ±0.026 ppm) was greater than market raw milk (0.201 ±0.018 ppm).

The mean cadmium level was found to be greater in farm milk (0.437 ± 0.030ppm) than in market raw milk (0.291 ± 0.028ppm).

It is recommended that in order to avoid milk contamination by lead and cadmium a great care of stable microclimate and all dishes in contact with milk should be taken, and to monitor lead and cadmium levels in order to ensure milk safety.

Key words: Cow's milk, heavy metals, Pb, cd, Assiut Govemorate