Assessment of Heavy metals Concentrations in Cow’s Milk collected from Polog Region, Republic North Macedonia

Abstract

Abstract:  Milk and dairy products are one of the most important and prominent products, part of human nutrition, since it is a source of numerous essential nutrients needed for the development and functioning of the organism. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in raw cow’s milk samples from different rural areas in Polog region: Jegunovce, Janciste, Bogovinje, Negotino, Poroj, Slatino and Toplica. In the period from January to May 2019 a total of 105 milk samples were collected from seven (7) dairy farms. Individual raw milk samples were taken from five (5) cows in lactation of each selected farm. A survey was conducted in three (3) repetitions. Selected metals as: Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni and metalloid (Zn) in raw milk samples have been assessed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy of Agilent 240 Z. Determined values were compared with the authorized limit by FAO/ WHO standards as well as with the corresponding values of different countries available in the literature.