Heavy metals residues and trace elements in milk powder marketed in Dakahlia Governorate

Fifty random milk powder samples were collected from different outlets in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt and analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine heavy metals residues and trace elements [lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn)]. The average concentration of Pb, Cd, Al, Fe, Mn and Se in examined milk powder samples were 0.791; 0.322; 1.57; 20.41; 0.497 and 0.014 ppm, respectively. All examined samples of milk powder had Pb, Cd, Fe, and Mn residues over the permissible limit. At the meanwhile, 96 and 58% of examined samples had Al and Se levels above the permissible limit, respectively. The calculated daily intake of Pb, Cd, Al, Fe, Mn and Se from consumption of 200 ml reconstituted milk powder per day were 158.5; 64.4; 313.4; 4082; 99.4 and 2.8 μg, respectively, which contributed about 31.64; 92.0; 26.12; 85.04; 1.99 and 3.5% from the Acceptable Daily intake of these elements, respectively. Public health significance and hazardous of these metals were discussed.