Assessment of Aluminum Levels in the Milk Supply of Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Introduction: Aluminium is a predominant heavy metal found in everyday products like perfumes, antiperspirants, medication, milk, vaccinations, etc. Biologically available Aluminum is non-essential and toxic to the body. Excessive intake of Aluminum can lead to various negative consequences such as neurodegeneration of the brain, age-related changes, etc. Most of the aluminium exposure is through food and its products. Hence, this study aims to determine the Aluminium levels in milk. Materials and Methods: Twenty samples were collected and stored in the Tiruvallur district area, Chennai. They were broken down into nitric and perchloric acid (4:1 v/v) until a transparent solution was obtained. This was then filtered using Whatman filter paper and diluted. Aluminum content was estimated using a flame absorption spectrophotometer. Results: This study shows that the mean aluminum levels in the milk supply in Tiruvallur district are . The current study also showed that the values are significant (p=0.000) Conclusion: Hence, the Aluminium levels of milk are within permissible levels, and care should be taken not to intake excessive amounts.