Determination of levels of some heavy metals (Pb, Cr and Cd) in raw milk produced within Kamdini- Oyam district, Uganda.

Abstract

Raw bovine milk is considered as one of the food sources that contaminated with heavy metals because the cows graze on the grass grown in lands which somehow come in contact with the. untreated effluent of industries, Heavy metal contamination is a serious threat because of their toxicity, bio-magnification and bioaccumulation in food chain. The deficiency of elements 1eads to impairment of Vital biological process, but when they are present in excess; they become toxic. The study sheds light on levels of selected heavy metals in raw bovine milk produced in Kamdini- Oyam district.In total 40 samples were taken for study the mean concentration levels of the metals were. 0. l7±0.082327,'6.84±2.034808 and 0.13±0.048305(ppm) for Lead, Chromium and Cadmium, respectively for samples taken from Pukka Parish. The mean concentration levels of the metals were 0. 15±0.070711, 6.55±l.709613 and 0.12±0.0421154 (ppm)for Lead, Chromium and Cadmium, respectively for samples taken-from Zambia Parish. The mean concentration levels of the metals were 0.16±O.069921,6.83±1.742954 and 0.18±O.1080 12 (ppm) for Lead, Chromium and Cadmium respectively for samples taken Ocini Parish. The mean concentration levels of the metals were O.28±O.175119, 8.34±2.9l5933 and 0.19±0.128668 (ppm) for Lead, Chromium and Cadmium respectively fat samples taken from Kamdini Parish. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) of all heavy metals analysed (Pb, Ctand Cd) inmilk samples was found to be Iess than 1. Hence it would be inferred that it's safe in terms of heavy metal food poisoning for human being to drink the milk from this area.