摘要：The aim of this study was to assess the content of selected essential metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Cr) and some toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in raw cow's milk collected from different Egyptian areas and during different periods (Jan.-Feb., May-Jun. and Sep.-Oct.) of one year 2009. Seventy two samples of raw milk were analyzed using ICP-AES for the quantitative determination of metals in this matrix. As regards essential metals, the highest average concentrations are those of Fe (3.860 mg kg-1) and Zn (1.209 mg kg-1), while the lowest average concentrations are (0.945 mg kg-1) and (0.238 mg kg) for Cu and Cr, respectively. With regard to toxic metals the average concentrations for Pb and Cd were 0.327 mg kg-1 and 0.007, respectively. The highest trace metals accumulation levels for Cd, Cr, Fe and Cu are found in milk samples collected from Shubra while samples from Menofia and Tanash are high in Pb and Zn, respectively. According to the classification on the basis of their metal contents, the highest trace metal accumulation levels were during Jan.-Feb. for Cd, Cr and Zn. However, the period of May-June the content of Pb, Cu and Fe were the highest. Whereas samples during Sept.-Oct. is characterized by their lowest metal content. The obtained results showed significantly differences at p≤0.05 in levels of trace elements determined in milk samples except Cd and Cr which may be attributed to seasonal variation or geographical station.
