Quantification of Heavy Metals in Breast Milk Samples Sampled from Kilimani/Kidoti in Zanzibar

Authors

  • Haji Khamis Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.0.Box 1125-30100, University of Eldoret, Chepkoilel, Kenya
  • Kituyi Lusweti Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.0.Box 1125-30100, University of Eldoret, Chepkoilel, Kenya
  • Haji Mwevura The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), P.O.Box 146, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Keywords:

fertilizers, pesticides, breast milk, zinc, cadmium, lead, aluminium, AA Spectrometer, quantify.

Abstract

People of Zanzibar are perpetual users of tomatoes.  Different varieties of tomatoes are regularly consumed in day-to-day meals in Zanzibar. These fruits are farmed under different settings varying from purely organic mode to extensive use of agrochemicals. It is well known that the use of agrochemicals may give rise to heavy metals contaminations with significant health impacts to consumers. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in some areas during cultivation may bring about individuals to eat tomatoes together with harmful heavy metals. However, no study has been done to find the quantity of heavy metals entered in consumers’ bodies. The objective of this study was to quantify heavy metals present in breast milk of individual tomato consumers. The methodology used was sampling, processing, digestion and analysis. The instrument used for analysis was Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Samples were collected, digested with HNO3 and H2O2 in a semi–closed glass digestion apparatus. After cooling, volume was adjusted to 25 ml with distilled water and analyzed by AAS. Zinc detected by AA spectrometer ranged from 231 ?g/l to 1466 ?g/l of milk, with average of 900±457 ?g/l. Cadmium ranged from 24.1 ?g/l to 35.9 ?g/l with average of 31.1±3.46 ?g/l. Lead ranged from 32.4 to 1630 ?g/l with average of 707±582 ?g/l. The concentration of Al metal, which was detected in only one sample, was 0.91 ?g/l. The results show that breast milk contains heavy metals contaminants necessary to be removed before infant feeding.

References

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Published

2017-09-14

How to Cite

Khamis, H., Lusweti, K., & Mwevura, H. (2017). Quantification of Heavy Metals in Breast Milk Samples Sampled from Kilimani/Kidoti in Zanzibar. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 35(1), 295–308. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/3309

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