Heavy metals analysis (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr) and calcium in Padang and Padang Panjang fresh cow’s milk

Abstract

Cow’s milk is important in a healthy food intake because of its high calcium content. However, the contamination in milk can be harmful to health. The acidity of cow’s milk decreases with the increase of heavy metals concentration that is poisonous to the body. This research aims to investigate the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr) and minerals Ca contained in fresh cow’s milk samples from two different locations, which are Padang city and Padang Panjang city. The heavy metal content in fresh milk from these two places has never been tested. The quantitative method used in this research is Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (SSA). The average heavy metal and Ca minerals contained in samples of fresh milk from the Lubuk Minturun area are: cadmium (Cd) not detected, lead (Pb) 13.58±1.01 ppm, zinc (Zn) 28.83±1.81 ppm, copper (Cu) 1.17±0.38 ppm, chromium (Cr) not detected, and calcium (Ca) 674.00±2.46 ppm. Meanwhile, fresh milk samples from Padang Panjang area: cadmium (Cd) not detected, Pb 20.58±2.02 ppm, Zn 53.08±2.40 ppm, Cu 2.17±0.38 ppm, chromium (Cr) not detected, and Ca 504.25±2.63 ppm. All samples from both regions showed heavy metal content of Pb, Zn, and Cu which exceeded the maximum limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), consequently it could cause negative impacts on health when consumed. This is assumed to be caused by cattle food contamination by garbage and pesticides which requires further research.