Sushant S Sole, Kunal S Kambale, Rajiv V Gaikwad and Promod V Meshram
This study aims to assess the contamination of heavy metals (Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead) in buffalo milk and water from farms located near industrial areas in India, where pollution risks are higher due to nearby industrial developments. Agriculture, particularly the dairy sector, plays a significant role in sustaining poor farmers and the broader farming community in India, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for milk and milk products. However, environmental pollution, including heavy metals, poses a potential threat to public health and animal well-being. Long-term exposure to these metals in feed or food can cause toxicological effects, as these metals accumulate in the tissues of dairy animals and are excreted in milk.
A total of 150 samples (milk and water) were collected from farms near industrial zones and analyzed for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The farms were screened for subclinical mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and only animals with negative results were included in the study. Buffaloes were categorized based on their milk yield into high (14-16 liters/day) and average (8-10 liters/day) groups. Three water samples from each farm were collected from the main supply, storage tank, and drinking water tank.
The study found heavy metals in milk and water samples, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of pollution levels and their impact on both animal and human health. The data generated could guide the formulation of preventive measures to mitigate the health risks posed by heavy metal contamination in dairy products.
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