Abstract

GUTIERREZ TOLENTINO, Rey et al. Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in organic milk from Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico. Rev Salud Anim. [online]. 2023, vol.45  Epub Dec 01, 2023. ISSN 2224-4700.

Tuxpan region is characterized by strong oil activity and organic food production. Oil activities are a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted into the atmosphere, contaminating soils and farm pastures through atmospheric deposition.This study was aimed at determining the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in raw milk from two organic production units. Analyses were carried out by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, according to US EPA methodology. The presence of PAHs was detected in fresh milk, where mean concentrations of PAH ranged from 0.08-0.86 µg/kg of fresh milk (fm)..Fluoranthene (FLT), benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) compounds presented a frequency of occurrence above 90 %, prevailing 4-6 ring PAHs. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean concentration of BaP and the sum of the 4 PAHs (BaA, BaP, benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF) and chrysene (CHR)) in the milk from the two farms near the thermoelectric plant and the oil drilling plant. The mean concentration of BaP was below the EU regulation (1 µg/kg). However, the sum of the mean concentrations of the 4 PAHs presented values of 1.58 µg/kg fresh milk (fm) (farm A) and 1.99 µg/kg fm (farm B) above the permitted value.The results corroborated that organic productions are also susceptible to PAH contamination. This finding alerts regulatory agencies the need to establish monitoring programs for these contaminants in organic milk intended for human consumption.

Keywords : Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); organic milk; food safety; gas chromatography.

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