Microelements and heavy metals in raw cow milk from various regions in Serbia

In this study, the investigation results of raw milk and animal feed samples from farms located around industrial areas and from rural areas in Serbia are presented. Various microelements and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mean concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe and Cd in raw milk were 5.94, 0.239, 2.034 and below 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The mean lead concentration found in milk from a farm located near industrial area was 0.242±0.166 mg/kg (mean Pb concentrations for other four investigated farms were below 0.05 mg/kg). The obtained results indicate that particular attention should be paid to control of Pb residues in food, water and environment. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31084]