Pollution of raw and pasteurized milk with some heavy metals

Abstract EN

The present work was conducted to determine the levels of some heavy metals as cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in milk.

A total of 100 samples of farm bulk milk (30), market raw milk (30) and pasteurized milk (40) were examined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Results of chemical analysis of farm bulk milk revealed that the mean levels of the examined metals were 0.299 ± 0.016, 2.375 ± 0.013, 2.120 ± 0.030 and 5.750 ± 0.012 ppm., respectively.

With regard to market raw milk the mean levels were 0.241 ± 0.037, 2.076 ± 0.163, 0.103 ± 0.006 and 3.844 ± 0.088 ppm., respectively.

Concerning pasteurized milk, the mean levels were 0.17 ± 0.002, 4.53 ± 0.49, 1.69 ± 0.051 and 3.37 ± 0.012 ppm., respectively.

According to the permissible limits of abroad the results indicated that 100%, 96.6% and 90% of farm bulk milk, market raw milk and pasteurized milk samples respectively contained cadmium, 100%, 100% and 95% respectively contained lead, 93.3, 93.3 and 95 respectively contained copper and 96.6, 93.3 and 98.3 respectively contained zinc beyond the maximum permissible limits for human consumption.

The results of statistical analysis of examined heavy metals revealed that there is a significant difference between the farm bulk milk and market raw milk as well as market raw milk and pasteurized milk.

The public health significance and suggested precautions for minimizing the levels of such metals were discussed.