Estimation of Some Heavy Metals for Cow's Milk from Different Areas in The City of Mosul

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of essential nutrients and heavy metals in dairy products, specifically cow's milk and milk powder, to evaluate their nutritional quality and safety for consumers. The study aimed to compare the measured values with certified standards to identify any deviations that could pose health risks. Cow's milk and milk powder samples from various regions, including Mosul, were collected and analyzed for their elemental composition using analytical methods. The concentrations of essential macro and microelements, as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, rubidium, and strontium, were measured. The findings were compared with certified values to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the dairy products. The analysis of cow's milk and milk powder samples revealed that essential macro and microelements were within acceptable limits, indicating good nutritional quality. However, certain heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, were found to exceed standards in some samples, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with these contaminants. The study emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control measures to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of dairy products, particularly in regions where heavy metal contamination levels were higher than expected. Further research is needed to understand the sources of contamination and implement strategies to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in dairy products.