Lead, cadmium, and aluminum in raw bovine milk: Residue level, estimated intake, and fate during artisanal dairy manufacture

Appraisal of potentially toxic metals contamination in protein supplements for muscle growth: A chemometric approach and associated human health risks

BACKGROUND

The use of protein supplements by athletes has risen due to their effectiveness in meeting dietary needs. However, there is a growing concern about the presence of potentially toxic metals (PTMs. Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in these supplements. Consequently, it is crucial to evaluate the levels of these PTMs to ensure the safety of the supplements.

METHODS

The objective of the current study was to assess the PTMs concentrations in protein supplements and examine any possible health hazards. Twenty-five samples of protein supplements were purchased from different pharmacies to screen them for metals. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was utilized to analyze metal content. Additionally, chemometric methods such as Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to identify possible sources of PTMs contamination in protein supplements.

RESULTS

Concentration ranges for PTMs were found as, Al (0.03-3.05 mg/kg), Cr (0.11-0.89 mg/kg), Mn (1.13-8.40 mg/kg), Ni (0.06-0.71 mg/kg), Cu (1.05-5.51 mg/kg), Zn (2.14-27.10 mg/kg), Cd (0.01-0.78 mg/kg), and Pb (0.06-0.57 mg/kg). The weekly intake of Cd exceeded the level of tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

CONCLUSION

Athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, dieters, young adults and adolescents, and health-conscious individuals should be conscious of Cd concentration as it does not compliance the TWI set by EFSA. Target hazard quotient (THQ < 1), hazard index (HI < 1), margin of exposure (MOE ≥ 1), percentile permitted daily exposure (% PDE < 100), and cumulative cancer risk (CCR < 1 × 10-3) analyses revealed that there are no appreciable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with the use of these products.

Evaluation of essential and trace metals/metalloids distribution and probable human health risk implications from branded liquid and powder milks available in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

The processed forms of milk, branded liquid, and power milk available in Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, were investigated for essential and trace metal/metalloids regarding nutritional and human health risk aspects. For this, the potential nutritional contribution, estimated daily intake (EDI) and non-carcinogenic risk for six different life stages with male and female categories, as well as the carcinogenic risk for children and adults of both genders, were addressed. In total, 46 branded liquid and powder milk samples were considered for this analysis employing atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of essential elements showed the trends of K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu and K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn for liquid and powder milk samples, respectively, but the potentially hazardous one showed the same trends (Cr > Pb > Hg > As > Cd) for both items. Except for Cr, Hg, and Fe, the elemental compositions of both milk categories differed considerably (< 0.05). Compared to the threshold values for milk samples (liquid and powder), Fe (19% and 27%), Mn (100% and 63%), Cu (0% and 23%), Zn (94% and 0%), Pb (25% and 13%), and Cr (0% and 3%) showed above the permissible limits. The nutrient input was the highest for Ca (27.2% and 18.7%), followed by Mg, K, and Na. The EDI of studied elements was within the daily permissible limit in both the milk category (except age group (≤ 3) and the female category). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that the age groups ≤ 3 for liquid milk and ≤ 3 and 3 < X ≤ 14 with female categories for powder milk exceeded the threshold level (> 1) in the case of Cr, Cd, As, Zn, and Mn. The probable carcinogenic risks indicated an unacceptable risk level (< 1.00E-04) for the ingestion of Cr through powder milk samples for children in male and female categories. Finally, it believes that green cow farming practices and green milk processing technology, as well as continuous monitoring of toxic metals, can limit the ultimate risk worldwide.

Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Raw Milk Produced in the Vicinity of a Mini Mineral Concentrator in the Central Andes and Health Risk

The bovine milk quality, safety, and security are of great concern mainly due to the dispersion of toxic substances from various anthropogenic activities and poor practices for organophosphates in agriculture use. This study evaluated the potential risk to human health from lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) from the consumption of milk produced in an area of the Central Andes valley near a mini mineral concentrator by estimating the weekly intake (WI), dietary risk quotient (DRC), hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for the Peruvian population aged 2 to 85 years, in three scenarios of milk consumption by age (minimum, average, and maximum). Toxic element quantification was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean amount ± standard deviation of Pb, Cd, and As in soils was 292±60.90, 3.54±1.58, and 5.60±2.20 mg/kg, the order of importance being Pb>As>Cd. The contents of Pb, Cd, and As in pastures were 23.17±10.02, 0.25±0.57, and 0.06±0.09 mg/kg, being from highest to lowest Pb>Cd>As. The means of Pb, Cd, and As content in 19 milk samples were 0.029±0.022, 0.007±0.006, and 0.010±0.004 mg/kg. Pb and Cd exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL), and the As was below the MPL. At all ages and milk consumption levels, the WI for Pb and Cd were below the estimated tolerable intake (TWI). The WI for As in < 19 years was higher than the TWI. The DRC for Pb and Cd at all three milk intake levels and all ages was < 1, and for As, it was > 1 in < 19 years, being the risk group. The TQH and HI for Pb and Cd were also > 1, signifying no health risk, and for As, the values were > 1 in < 11 years. Our results are valuable for preventing adverse health impacts from safe and innocuous milk consumption.

Assessing the Health Risk and Trophic Transfer of Lead and Cadmium in Dairy Farming Systems in the Mantaro Catchment, Central Andes of Peru

This study investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) transfer in three dairy farming areas in the Mantaro river headwaters in the central Peruvian Andes and at varying distances from the mining complex at La Oroya. At each of these sites, the transfer of trace metals from the soil to raw milk was estimated, and a hazard assessment for lead and cadmium was carried out in scenarios of minimum, average, and maximum milk consumption in a Peruvian population aged 2-85. Pb and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization, with a positive geospatial trend correlated with the distance from mining activity. Both Pb and Cd were found to be transferred through the soil-pasture-milk pathway, with the primary source of Cd being phosphate-based fertilizers used in pasture improvement. Pb was found to be the most significant contributor to the Hazard Index (HI) with those under 19 years of age and over 60 recording an HI of >1, with infants being the most vulnerable group due to their greater milk consumption in relation to their body weight. A marginal increase in contamination was observed in the dry season, indicating the need for studies to be expanded over several annual cycles.

Impact of grazing around industrial areas on milk heavy metals contamination and reproductive ovarian hormones of she-camel with assessment of some technological processes on reduction of toxic residue concentrations

Heavy metals are one of the most toxic chemical pollutants of the environment. Their hazards not restricted to human but extend to animal productivity and reproductively. The present study aimed to assess the impact of grazing around industrial areas on the levels of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) residues in milk samples collected from dromedary she-camels and studying their effects on some ovarian hormones. In addition, the study aimed to investigate methods of removal of the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals in milk by applying different technological processes. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 dromedary she-camels, 15 grazing in non-industrial areas (group A) and 15 grazing in industrial areas (group B). Detection of the levels of these heavy metals in milk was done. Ovarian hormones investigation on the blood was performed. Different technological processes such as boiling, skimming and fermentation were applied to all contaminated samples to reduce the toxic concentrations of these heavy metals. Results revealed that all examined milk samples in both groups contained Cu, while 40% of group A and 100 % of group B contained Al residues with different concentrations. The levels of Cu and Al residues in samples of group A not exceeded the maximum residual limit (MRL) set by World Health Organization (WHO) while 60% and 100% of milk samples in group B contained Cu and Al residues exceeded MRL, respectively. Technological processes induce variant changes in the levels of these metals in milk. Heat treatment of milk in Al vats leads to leaching of Al from containers to the milk causing significant increase in Al load, while Cu level was not significantly affected. Boiling in stainless-steel containers decreased the levels of Al and Cu but in non-significant levels. Regarding skimming process, small amount of Cu and Al escaped into the skimmed milk while greater amount were recovered in the cream. Fermentation by probiotic bacteria showed that milk fermentation has non-significant effect on Cu and Al levels. Investigation of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) revealed presence of a signification reduction in the levels of these hormones in group B compared to group A. In addition, a negative correlation was found between these heavy metals and ovarian hormones concentrations in the blood. It is concluded that grazing of dromedary camels around industrial areas induce heavy metals toxicity represented by excretion of these metals in milk and significant reduction on ovarian function showed by reduction of estrogen and progesterone levels. Technological processes such as skimming decreased the levels of Al and Cu residues in milk.

The concentration and prevalence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in cheese: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study aimed to systematically review the concentration of different PTEs, including Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in cheese among some databases between 2000 and 2021 (from 57 included studies). Estimated concentrations of 160.78 (95% CI = 119.24-202.28), 15.68 (95% CI = 11.88-19.48), 16.94 (95% CI = 13.29-20.59), and 2.47 (95% CI = 1.70-3.23) µg/kg were calculated for As, Pb, Cd, and Hg, respectively. Most of the studies for PTEs are related to Pb, about 40% of the studies, compared to As, which has fewer studies. The results showed that As and Hg concentrations were lower than the Codex Alimentarius Commission standard limits. Nevertheless, Cd and Pb concentrations were higher than the standard limit values. Results showed that cheese making, the ripening period, fat content, and texture are influential factors in a high level of Pb and Cd in cheese samples.

Metals in Cow Milk and Soy Beverages: Is There a Concern?

Nowadays, there is an increased consumption of plant-based protein beverages like soy beverages (SBs) as substitutes for cow milk (CM). Both accumulate toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn), which, although essential, are neurotoxic at high levels. Metals can also perturb the normal development of children. This work aimed to evaluate these metal concentrations in CM and SB purchased on the Portuguese market. After validation of the method, linearity of calibration curves, work range, detection and quantification limits, and selectivity, metals were determined in 14 CM and 14 SB brands using atomic absorption spectrometry. The values were compared between CM and SB and with permissible limit values. Soy beverages had significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of Cd (5.6 ± 4.2 µg/L) and Mn (117.4 ± 30.3) µg/L) than CM (2.15 ± 1.84 µg/L and 5.93 ± 1.21 µg/L, respectively); the Pb concentrations in CM (19.3 ± 12.1 µg/L) were not significantly (p > 0.05) higher than in SB (13.4 ± 9.6 µg/L). These values were similar to other studies and close to but under permissible limit values. Nevertheless, due to the toxicity and bioaccumulation of metals, the fact that these foods are routinely ingested by all ages, mainly children, and represent key ingredients in many processed foods, including baby foods, we suggest strict surveying of metal levels in CM and SBs.

Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Raw Cow's Milk in a Central Andean Area and Risks for the Peruvian Populations

Milk and its derivatives are basic foods in Peru, especially for children. The Junín region, in the central Andes, is one of the leading dairy basins. However, the safety of milk is affected by mining-metallurgical activities, wastewater dumping, organic residues, and inappropriate use of organophosphate fertilizers in agriculture whose contaminants reach the food chain, putting human health at risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in milk produced on a representative farm in central Peru, which uses phosphorous agrochemicals and is adjacent to a small mineral concentrator and a municipal solid waste dump, and to evaluate the potential risk for the Peruvian population of 2-85 years considering three levels of daily intake by age, which constitutes the innovative contribution of the study. These three elements were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean contents of Pb (0.062 mg/kg), Cd (0.014 mg/kg), and As (0.030 mg/kg) in milk exceeded the maximum limits allowed by international standards. At all ages, the target quotient hazard followed a descending order of As > Pb > Cd, being > 1 in the case of As. The hazard index was >1 for children under 7, 9, and 11 years of age in the scenarios of low, medium, and high milk intake. The information is valid for formulating policies to prevent adverse health effects and develop standards and awareness programs, monitoring, and control of heavy metals in milk in Peru.

Heavy Metals in Honey Collected from Contaminated Locations: A Case of Lithuania

Honey, as a bioindicator, can be used to determine the level of pollution in the environment with selected pollutants, including heavy metals. Twelve locations were selected for experimental studies near the main sources of pollution: industrial sites, landfills, railways, and highways. The honey samples were burned to ash, and the heavy metals in ashes were determined using aqua regia digestion in the microwave digestion system. The concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni) was determined using a Buck Scientific model 210 VGP atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace atomizer and an acetylene-air flame. These median amounts of heavy metals were found in the analyzed honey samples: 0.0030 mg/kg for Cd, 0.0179 mg/kg for Pb, 0.0317 mg/kg for Cr, 0.0999 mg/kg for Cu, and 0.0332 mg/kg for Ni. The obtained results were compared with honey samples research conducted in other countries. It is difficult to compare the level of heavy metal results found in honey from different countries, as the type of honey, soil composition, rainfall, air temperature, the plants from which it was harvested, its vegetation and flowering duration, and the degree of anthropogenic pollution in the area differ. The heavy metal content tested in honey was found to be low, except for the Pb content in one sample of honey, and did not pose a risk to human health. A statistical analysis including average, median, standard deviation, confidence intervals, and Spearman coefficients was performed for the evaluation of the relationships between the heavy metal quantities and the determination of the impact of pollution sources (transport and industry). The correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation coefficient between heavy metals and distance (r = −0.593 to −0.204).