Monitoring of carcinogenic environmental pollutants in raw cows’ milk

Abstract

These investigations were conducted to detect the residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and cadmium in the raw milk samples of lactating cows grazing around the Sugar Cane Factory. One hundred raw milk samples were collected from apparent healthy lactating cows during the rest and work periods of the Sugar Cane Factory. Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons residue in milk samples was performed using a gas chromatography. Lead and cadmium levels in the milk samples were determined after digestion. Results revealed that benzo(a)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (carcinogenic), and acenaphthylene and phenanthrene (non-carcinogenic) were detected only in the raw milk samples during the work period, while fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene were detected only during the rest period. However,chrysene and benzo(b)fluoranthene (carcinogenic) were detected in the milk at the rest and work periods of the Sugar Cane Factory. The highest levels of lead and cadmium were detected during the work period compared to the levels of lead and cadmium at rest. In conclusion, benzo(a)anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, acenaphthylene, and phenanthrene, lead and cadmium could be detected in cows’ milk which raised around the Sugar Cane Factory. Further investigations of these pollutants must be done in water, plants, air, and soil around this factory.