Estimation of Heavy Metals in Milk of Different Areas of Sialkot (Pakistan) and Its Possible Health Impact on Consumer

Background: Milk is a complete food for human health, but consuming contaminated milk can pose severe health risks to consumers. Therefore, metal level assessment in milk provides complete knowledge to both environmental management policy makers and consumers. Methods: In the present study, 50 samples of mixed cow and buffalo milk were collected in 2018 from Sialkot region of Punjab province, Pakistan. Cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were determined in these milk samples by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in urban areas of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. Results: The ranges and mean levels (in bracket) of heavy metals in milk samples are as follows: Cd: 0.009-0.047 (0.028); Co: 0.026-0.144 (0.094); Cr: 0.007-0.098 (0.040); Cu: 0.106-1.273 (0.454); Ni: 0.015-0.082 (0.052); Pb: 0.014-0.132 (0.061); and Zn: 1.457-6.908 (3.781) µg/g. Mean levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels exceeded the maximum limits set by International Dairy Federation, whereas, Cr level was bellow the recommended permissible limit. Possible sources of metals in milk include animal feed and adulterants. The highest Estimated Daily Intake was noted for Zn, Cd, and Cu. Risk assessment suggested relatively greater adverse effects for children compared to adults. Target Hazard Quotient revealed a decreasing trend among the consumer as follows: Cd>Pb>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni>Co. Cd and Pb were the major contributors in Hazard Index. Moreover, The Hazard Index for children is above one, indicating higher vulnerability compared to adults. Conclusion: It is concluded that milk handling techniques and feed quality monitoring should be carefully considered to ensure consumer health safety.