Evaluation the Health Impact of Some Heavy Metals in Milk from Markets View PDF

^*Basim Almayahi
Department Of Environment, Faculty Of Science, University Of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
Algburi J
Department Of Environment, Faculty Of Science, University Of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
Jarrah N
Department Of Physics, University Of Babylon, Iraq

^*Corresponding Author:

Basim Almayahi
Department Of Environment, Faculty Of Science, University Of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
Email:basimnajaf@yahoo.com

Published on: 2019-09-09

Abstract

This study focuses on the heavy metals concentrations (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) in certain common milk species are collected from Iraqi markets using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer-6300 AA, Shimadzu, Japan, respectively. This study shows the pollution in the environment obtained by heavy metals. The results showed that Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Fe were varying according to the order: Zn>Fe>Cr>Cd>Cu. levels of heavy metals were 0.610(Cr), 0.125(Cd), 0.052(Cu), and 6.902(Zn), and 0.759(Fe). All the heavy metals were observed within the maximum limit in milk. Overall, the number of analyzed heavy metals and sample size were limited in the present study.

Keywords

Heavy metals; Milk; Najaf; Flame atomic absorption; Spectrophotometer

Introduction

Environmental pollution is a source of daily concern to the different segments of society because of its multiple forms and the expansion of its forms that negatively affect the environment and human health. According to WHO standards, pollution is defined as any quantitative or qualitative change in the components of the Earth from the normal limit, whether it is an increase or decrease, which leads to any imbalance in the natural components of the ecosystem [1]. Heavy elements are the most important problems of environmental pollution in the present time for their spread in nature due to the accumulation of industrial wastes and pesticides, and others, including lead, copper, zinc, chromium and cobalt, and its importance in the presence of very low concentrations of parts in million[2-7]. Increasing these elements from the natural limit makes them toxic and harmful and affects the health of animals and humans. Where it is transmitted to the animal through the skin, digestive tract or respiratory tract causing toxic and functional effects. These elements are hazardous because they are not chemically or thermally disintegrated, and lead to their build-up in the environment, food contamination and disease, such as cancer [8].Where these elements are transferred to the milk causing damage to the consumer. Heavy metal in milk and is a matter of great concern for food safety and human health. Milk contaminated with metals (zinc, lead, cadmium, selenium, sulphur, iodine and possibly even more dangerous arsenic and cyanide) [9]. It is toxic in nature and even at relatively low concentrations can cause adverse effects for human health. Heavy metal contamination in milk has been reported from different region in various studies.

Material and Methods

Samples collected from local market in Najaf city of Iraq. In order to measure the concentration of Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Fe in milk, we had to mineralize the samples via wet-processing treatment with the supplement of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric acid (HNO₃) (2 ml of milk+1 ml H₂O₂+2 ml HNO₃) [10]. We applied the microwave digestion technique (2 h+200?+ diluted to 50 ml with distilled water)using digester heater system.Then filtration method on the mixed using paper filter of 0.45 µm. Heavy metals levelwas measured via electro thermic atomic absorption spectrophotometry (6300 AA, Shimadzu, Japan). Milk samples were collected from places in and around Najaf markets. The present work was carried out at the College of Science, University of Kufa to estimate the level of heavy metal. The samples were maintained at 5? until processing.

Results and Discussion

The study showed that the concentration of trace elements like Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Fe in milk using atomic absorption spectrophotometry were ranged 0.166-1.505, 0.038 -0.413, 0.027-0.123, 3.978-12.803, respectively (Table 1). Cr is found in high level in M₂ (NADA), while the low level was found in M₁ (KDD). Cd and Cu are found in high level in M₁ (KDD) and the low level was found in M₉ (ALIS FRESH MILK). Zn is found in high level in M₁ (NADA), while the low level was found in M₅ (KALEH STRAWBERN) and M₈(YAG GO). Fe is found in high level in M₂ (NADA), while the low level was found in M₁₀ (STRAWBERY BONNY MILK).

Table 1: Heavy elements concentration (ppm)

Sample Code	MilkName	Cr	Cd	Cu	Zn	Fe
M 1	KDD	0.166	0.413	0.123	8.744	0.804
M 2	NADA	1.505	0.227	0.047	12.803	1.764
M 3	PEGAH	0.864	0.107	0.052	5.446	0.865
M 4	SAMBO BANNANA	0.673	0.138	0.052	5.446	0.652
M 5	KALEH STRAWBERN	0.609	0.048	0.052	3.978	0.652
M 6	ALMARAI NIJOOM	0.546	0.038	0.052	11.019	0.094
M 7	NADEC	0.482	0.087	0.037	5.568	0.163
M 8	YAG GO	0.482	0.107	0.037	3.978	2.009
M 9	ALIS FRESH MILK	0.419	0.038	0.027	5.446	0.548
M 10	STRAWBERY BONNY MILK	0.356	0.048	0.042	6.593	0.039
	Average	0.610	0.125	0.052	6.902	0.759

The heavy metal contents were arranged in the order: Zn > Fe> Cr> Cd> Cu for the milk.

Conclusion

The purpose of the present study is to focus concentration of some metals in milk. The results showed higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Cr in NADA milk (M₂) and (Cd, Cu) in KDD milk (M₁). Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Fe were varying according to the order: Zn>Fe>Cr>Cd>Cu. levels of heavy metals were 0.610(Cr), 0.125(Cd), 0.052(Cu), and 6.902(Zn), and 0.759(Fe). All the heavy metals were observed within maximum limit in milk. Milk does not pose any heavy metal pollution hazard. Comparing results with other studies revealed similar concentrations of metals in milk. Overall, the number of analyzed heavy metals and sample size were limited in present study and further studies are necessary to evaluate the contents of metals on a greater number of milk from various market of Najaf and to confirm the absence of possible toxicological risks.