Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Milk of Cow Grazing At Selected Areas, of Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

In this research work the concentration of zinc, copper, lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel in cow milk samples obtained from four different grazing areas (kakuri, kudendan, malali, kawo) of Kaduna metropolis. The samples were digested by wet digestion technique .The trace element were determined using bulk scientific model VPG 210 model Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).. The concentration of the determined heavy metal were The result revealed that Cr, Ni and Cd were not detected in milk samples from Kawo, Malali and Kudendan whereas lead (Pb) is detected in all samples and found to be above the stipulated limits of recommended dietary allowance (NRC,1989) given as 0.02mg/day. Cu and Zn are essential elements needed by the body for proper metabolism and as such their deficiency or excess is very dangerous for human health. However, they were found in all samples and are within the recommended limits while Cd (2.13 – 3.15 mg/kg) in milk samples from Kakuri was found to be above such limit (0.5mg/day). Cow milk samples analyzed for heavy metals in this research work pose a threat of lead and cadmium toxicity due to their exposure to direct sources of air, water and plants in these grazing areas, thereby, resulting to a potential health risk to the consumers.