Investigation of some heavy metal presence in the milk of cattle

Abstract

Aim: There was no enough research about the presence of heavy metals in the milk a source of important nutrients. In this study, some heavy metal existence was investigated in the milk obtained from Konya region. Materials and Methods: Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels of 61 milk samples obtained from 19 places in Konya region were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results: Average lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium and zinc levels were 0.0000001, 0.0000388, 0.0000839, 0.0000331 and 0.0026681 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: Determined lead, cadmium, selenium, zinc and arsenic levels are much below the maximum levels recommended by Joint Food Codex. These levels are not a threat against human health and the contamination risk for dairy cattle is not high. Further research needs to be conducted by taking more samples and studying more element types.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• cow's milk
• konya