Investigation of some heavy metal levels in cow milk processed in Aydin province

One of the negative effects of environmental pollution is the exposure of humans and animals to heavy metals through nutrition and inhalation. After the ingestion of heavy metals through various ways, depending on the frequency, quantity and period of taken doses in acute, subacute and chronical types, mild or serious toxicational symptoms can be seen. Heavy metal contamination in cow milk and its products may be because of either the food and water consumed by animals, or machines and equipments used during the production process of dairy products. In our study; milk samples were collected from in the city center and some districts. For this purpose Bozdoğan, Çine, Söke, Yenipazar and Nazilli districts were selected. Collected milk samples were solubilized in a microwave oven and then Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb analyzes with ICP-OES. The Highest value Fe 1704,80 μg/L in Bozdoğan district, the highest value Mn 5,08 μg/L, Aydin Central district, the highest value Zn 1468,39 μg/L were detected in Yenipazar. In the milk samples of all the districts Cu, Cd and Pb values were found under measurable limits. Considering the tolerable values indicated by literature data, FAO, WHO and PMTDIs, it is undertood that there is no heavy metal contamination which may cause health problems, in milk and dairy products processed in Aydın and the other districts. Key Words; Milk, heavy metal, Aydın, environmental pollution