LEAD, CADMIUM AND MERCURY IN MILK PRODUCTS

A total of 25 random samples of dairy products including pasteurized, sterilized, fermented condensed and powdered milk (five sample each), were collected from different localities in Zagazig City, Sharkia Governorate. The samples were analyzed for detection of lead, cadminum and mercury using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The average of lead in pasteurized, sterilized fermented, condensed and powdered milk were 1.501, 1.087, 4.694, 11.071 and 8.133 ppm, (mg/kg) respectively. On the other hand, the mean values of cadmium in the same products were 0.038, 0.060, 0.218, 0.438 and 0.04 ppm (mg/kg), respectivley. Meanwhile, the average of mercury in pasteurized, sterilized and powdered milk were 0.086, 0.091 and 0.556 ppm (mg/kg), respectively. The mercury could not be detected in fermented and condensed milk. The analysed samples contained lead, cadmium and mercury above the permissible limits. The obtained results indicated that the lead, cadmium and mercury in different milk products act as a serious health hazard for man and animal consuming such products. Therefore, a regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination of milk and milk products is recommended to establish the true contribution of milk and milk products to the dietary intake of heavy metals.