Presence of PAHs in milk of industrial farms from Tizayuca, Hidalgo, Mexico.

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cow's milk from industrial farms that are located near an industrial park in Hidalgo, Mexico. It was found that the concentrations of PAHs in the raw milk of cattle from industrial farms have increased in recent years. Composite samples were collected between 2008 and 2010 and analysis carried out according to 8100 EPA procedures and analyzed by gas chromatography with FID detection. The results show that combustion PAHs were mostly Ace, Acy, and Fla (0.25, 0.32, and 0.22 µg g(-1), respectively). Diagnostic ratios were used to show that the probable sources were grass and fuel combustion. The sum of concentrations of 16 individual PAHs did not breach permissible levels in milk (25 µg g(-1) according to the United States EPA), indicating a limited health risk to animals and humans in the study area. The industrial park has adequate pollutant emission regulations.