Determination of major and minor elements in dairy products produced in Misurata city – Libya

Abstract

Concentrations of minor metals (cadmium Cd, lead Pb, copper Cu, Zinc Zn, and chromium Cr) and major nutritional elements (sodium Na, and potassium K) were analyzed in some dairy products (15) produced by four local companies in Misurata-Libya. Minor elements were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and major elements (Na and K) using Flame Emission Photometer. For heavy metals, the average levels of zinc was the highest, followed by levels of lead, cadmium, and chromium, and finally the levels of copper was the lowest. For major elements, the levels of potassium were higher than sodium in all tested samples. Generally, Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending upon the type of the product and significant differences were observed in the mean values of heavy metals in different types of dairy products. However, the levels of heavy metals in fresh milk were lower than the levels in other products (butter milk, yoghurt, and yoghurt drink). Finally, further investigations are needed to identify the cause of elevated heavy metal levels especially in dairy products.