DETERMINATION OF THE CONCENTRATIONS OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN MANSHANU, KINDIRMO, AND RAW MILK SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM MAYO-BELWA, YOLA SOUTH, AND JADA IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the concentrations of selected heavy metals in dairy products obtained from different sampling locations and examined the effects of product type and location on metal concentrations. The study focused on cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and lead. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the data, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine whether significant differences existed among dairy products, sampling locations, and their interaction. The results revealed significant differences in cadmium concentration among dairy products (F = 19.973, p = 0.00003) and sampling locations (F = 12.636, p = 0.00037), while their interaction was not significant. Cobalt concentration differed significantly across sampling locations (F = 15.626, p = 0.00012), and the interaction between product type and location was also significant (F = 4.385, p = 0.0119), whereas the overall product effect was not significant. Copper and nickel concentrations differed significantly among dairy products (F = 47.816 and 49.737, respectively; p < 0.001), while location and interaction effects were not significant. The results indicated significant differences among products;. The study concludes that heavy-metal concentrations in dairy products vary according to product type and, for some metals, sampling location. Regular monitoring, laboratory verification, improved food-safety practices, and further research are recommended to safeguard consumers from potential exposure to heavy-metal contamination.