This study measured Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Zn in 10 raw cow milk samples collected from different regions of Muş province in eastern Turkey using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Lead and cadmium were the heavy metals of primary concern; essential minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) were also characterized. The range of Pb across samples was 0.19–0.40 mg/L and of Cd was 0.20–0.38 mg/L, with substantial variation across sampling locations reflecting regional differences in soil and environmental contamination. The study contextualized these findings against EU and Turkish food safety standards; Pb in milk is limited to 0.020 mg/L by EU Regulation 2023/915, meaning several samples exceeded this limit.
Key numbers
All values in mg/L (wet weight), n = 10 samples from distinct locations in Muş province, Turkey. Analyzed by AAS (Agilent 240FS AA).
- Pb (lead): range 0.19 ± 0.01 to 0.40 ± 0.01 mg/L (190–400 µg/L). EU limit for raw milk: 0.020 mg/L — all samples exceeded the EU limit substantially.
- Cd (cadmium): range 0.20 ± 0.00 to 0.38 ± 0.00 mg/L (200–380 µg/L). EU limit for raw milk: 0.002 mg/L (EU 2023/915) — all samples exceeded.
- Fe: range 0.24 ± 0.01 to 1.96 ± 0.01 mg/L
- Cu: range 0.11 ± 0.00 to 0.50 ± 0.00 mg/L
- Mn: range 0.12 ± 0.00 to 0.20 ± 0.00 mg/L
- Zn: range 8.25 ± 0.00 to 14.51 ± 0.00 mg/L
- Ca (highest): up to 433.45 ± 0.00 mg/L (in sample S10)
- K (highest): up to 1146.25 ± 0.02 mg/L (in sample S10)
Note: The Pb and Cd values reported here (190–400 µg/L and 200–380 µg/L, respectively) are extremely high relative to literature for uncontaminated cow milk, which typically reports Pb well below 20 µg/L and Cd below 2 µg/L. The authors do not discuss whether equipment contamination, reagent blanks, or procedural issues may have contributed to these elevated values. Interpret with caution; the small sample size (n=10) and limited methodological detail on blank correction limit confidence. The study is B-tier-adjacent for concentration data despite peer-review status.
Methods (brief)
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS, Agilent 240FS AA). Calibration curves for each element prepared from 1000 mg/L standard solutions. No LOD/LOQ values reported. No certified reference material validation reported. Sample collection from different regional farms in Muş; no details on storage, reagent blank, or spike recovery. The high Pb and Cd values relative to international literature warrant caution in interpretation.
Implications
Certification: Eastern Turkey (Muş province) represents an area where agricultural and environmental contamination may be driving elevated Pb and Cd in raw milk significantly above EU limits. This source should be used with caution in synthesis given the extremely high absolute values and limited methodological transparency.
Courses: Illustrates how geographic location and industrial/agricultural activities can affect raw milk quality even in ostensibly rural areas. The contrast with EU regulatory limits is instructive.
App: Contributes to the geographic breakdown for milk contamination data, though values should be flagged as potentially anomalous pending verification.