Heavy metal ions in milk samples collected from animals feed with city effluent irrigated fodder

Untreated city effluent is used as source of irrigation in Faisalabad, Pakistan for raising different crops including fodder which is used for feeding the animals in the cattle’s farms. This paper reports a study to assess the risks and opportunities associated with this practice by determining heavy metals concentration in milk, which is used in daily life excessively. Heavy metals and other properties were measured in typical effluents, four soils and three fodder crops. It was found that the city effluent increased heavy metals concentrations in the soil and ultimately in fodder. Furthermore Heavy metals concentrations in the milk were found above those normally associated with suitability for human consumption. It is recommended that effluent should be treated before it’s used for raising different crops.