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Potentially Toxic Element (PTE) Contamination in Raw Cow Milk: Insights into Concentration Levels and Dietary
1Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Raparin, Sulaymaniyah, Ranya, 46012, Iraq. hiwa.physics@uor.edu.krd.
Biological Trace Element Research
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Raw cow milk in Iraq
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Raw cow milk is a vital nutrient source but can contain toxic elements.
- Livestock management practices can increase contamination risks in dairy products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate toxic element concentrations in raw cow milk from Ranya district, Iraq.
- To assess human health risks associated with consuming contaminated milk across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Collected raw cow milk samples from 40 sites.
- Analyzed concentrations of six potentially toxic elements (PTEs) using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry.
- Evaluated human health risks using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) metrics.
Main Results:
- Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) were the most abundant PTEs; Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) were least abundant.
- Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb) exceeded permissible levels.
- Infants faced cumulative non-carcinogenic risk (HI > 1.0), and all age groups showed carcinogenic risk from Nickel (Ni).
Conclusions:
- Elevated PTE levels are linked to livestock grazing and untreated water sources.
- Continuous monitoring of PTEs in dairy products is essential.
- Public health interventions are needed to protect vulnerable populations, especially infants.
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