Investigation of microelement content of bulk milk from different regions of Italy

Samples of bulk milk were analyzed for their lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium and copper contents in relationship to the production zone and at various periods of the year. The results obtained showed that the milk samples examined would be considered free from peaks of metal contamination. The metal contents of milk analysed were not related to the different degrees of pollution in the various zones or the type of the animals' diet, but mainly to chance.