Abstract
Eight samples of commonly consumed powdered milk by adults were collected from local markets in Oke-Ogun area, Nigeria and analyzed using gamma ray spectrometer with NaI(Tl) detector for radioactive analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for heavy metal analysis (Pb, Fe, Cd and Cu). The main activity concentration detected is that of 40K with average of 39.6 Bq.kg-1 while the activities of 226Ra and 232Th were below detection limit (BDL). The total annual effective dose due to the ingestion of radionuclide in the milk sample was estimated to be <33.7 μSv.y-1 which is lower than the ICRP recommended limit of 1mSv.y-1 for all ages. The geometric means of Pb, Cd, Fe and Cu in the samples were found to be 0.024, 0.328, 2.168 and 0.242 mg.kg-1, respectively and the annual daily dose estimated were 0.1490, 0.010, 0.0002 and 0.0003 mg.day-1, respectively. The results of the hazard index revealed that the intake of heavy metal through ingestion of the milk samples did not exceeds the recommended limit of unity. Therefore, the consumption of these milk samples is safe.
Highlights
IntroductionElements or compounds such as metals and metalloids, accumulate along the food chain
Many dangerous radionuclides, elements or compounds such as metals and metalloids, accumulate along the food chain
The highest activity concentration of 40K was detected in sample M5 (195.0 ± 9.5 Bqkg-1) and the lowest activity concentration was obtained to be below detection limit (BDL) in sample M8
Summary
Elements or compounds such as metals and metalloids, accumulate along the food chain. Their concentrations in the environment grow with the increase of urban, agricultural, and industrial emissions. The presence of metal pollutants, like Cd and Pb, aids their entry into the food chain and thereby increases the toxicity effects of the food in humans and animals diet. Milk is one of the most important foods for human nutrition; it is beneficial in human diet and mostly needed by infant and children during their growing age. Milk contains all the macronutrients namely protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins (A, D and B groups) and trace elements calcium, phosphate, magnesium, zinc and selenium [1,2]. Milk is known as an excellent source of Ca, and it can supply moderate amounts of Mg, smaller amounts of Zn and very small amounts of Fe and Cu [3]
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