Abstract
Introduction. After the Iraq war, the dust phenomenon has increased in western Iran. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dust phenomenon on the content of heavy metals in raw milk in Ilam province.
 Study objects and methods. The dust samples were collected during one year. The concentrations of dust particles were determined with the Enviro Check Laser System, using the Dust Monitor Check. The concentration of heavy metals in dust was determined by using the high volume air samplers and glass fiber filters.
 Results and discussion. Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, zinc, copper, and iron) were measured at four sampling sites in raw milk by the atomic absorption method. The mean and standard deviations of dust particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) were 105.6 ± 90.5 and 25.9 ± 15.4 μg/m3, respectively. The amounts of arsenic, zinc, lead, and copper were higher in the spring and summer. Lead levels in western and southern regions were higher than those in the east, center, and north.
 Conclusion. We found similar trends for arsenic, zinc, copper, and iron in raw milk. Our results showed the potential effect of the dust phenomenon on the presence of heavy metals in raw milk.
Highlights
After the Iraq war, the dust phenomenon has increased in western Iran
Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dust phenomenon on the content of heavy metals in raw milk in Ilam province
Our results showed the potential effect of the dust phenomenon on the presence of heavy metals in raw milk
Summary
A dust storm is one of many air pollutants known to humans. About 800 trillion grams of dust particles are spread in Asia. The extent of toxicity depends on different factors, such as plant processes and the amount of raw materials used [13] Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chrome, nickel, and cobalt can contaminate cows and their surroundings. Heavy metals are absorbed by plant roots from the soil As a result, this pollution causes serious problems, changing the amount and structure of milk [14]. We investigated the concentration of suspended particles in the environment and evaluated the effect of heavy metals on cow raw milk in the west of the country, Ilam province. The concentrations of heavy metals (lead, arsenic, zinc, copper, and iron) were determined by a Perkin-Elmer Analyst 800 atomic absorption spectrometer, including an AS-800 Autosampler equipped with Zeeman-effect background correction. The results of three repetitions were analyzed by ANOVA, using an SPSS statistics package
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