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, andphenanthrene,
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. |
