Polychlorodibenzodioxin and -furan (PCDD and PCDF) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyl (DL-PCB) congener levels in milk of grazing sheep as indicators of the environmental quality of rural areas

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Aug 10;59(15):8513-7. doi: 10.1021/jf2010673. Epub 2011 Jul 8.

Abstract

An observational study was set up to evaluate how the quality of the environment may influence the levels of of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs in sheep's milk. Seven farms under natural and anthropogenic pressures were considered, along with an inventory of the surrounding regular and natural sources of emissions. Analysis by HRGC-HRMS revealed the highest cumulative levels (2.1 pg of WHO(1998)-TE/g fat) in one organic and one conventional farm, each close to a relevant bushfire. Their pattern was characterized by a noticeable contribution (24%) from mono-ortho-PCB congeners to the cumulative WHO-TE. For the other farms, close to potential anthropogenic sources, the levels recorded in milk ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 pg of WHO-TE/g fat. The health and reproductive indicators were in all herds within the physiological range. Results suggest the environmental quality in extensive farming system should be eligible as a food safety factor, also for organic productions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Food Contamination
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Milk / metabolism
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / chemistry*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / chemistry
  • Sheep / physiology*

Substances

  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls