Title: Lead and zinc content of cows' milk affected by varying traffic density

Authors: Saim Ozdemir, Mustafa S. Dundar, Bulent Sengorur, Ataman S. Senol

Addresses: Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, 54187 Adapazari, Turkey. ' Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, 54187 Adapazari, Turkey. ' Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, 54187 Adapazari, Turkey. ' Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, 54187 Adapazari, Turkey

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of vehicle emissions on zinc and lead content of cow|s milk, grazing at 15 different locations near to roadsides in Sakarya, Turkey. The results obtained for zinc were between 1262 μg kg⁻¹ and 6566 μg kg⁻¹. An acceptable range of zinc content from various sides confirmed the absence of possible toxicological risks in this region. The lead levels ranged from 3.24 μg kg⁻¹ to 80.69 μg kg⁻¹. The levels of lead in milk samples collected from roadside pastures were higher than the regulatory limits and pose a health risk.

Keywords: vehicle emissions; environmental pollution; cows milk; lead; zinc; traffic density; Turkey; toxicological risks; roadside pastures; regulatory limits; health risks; cattle.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.023666

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2009 Vol.36 No.4, pp.411 - 417

Published online: 07 Mar 2009 *

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