Analysis of Levels of Heavy Metals, Essential Elements and Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) in Human Breast Milk: A Study at the Ho Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Human breast milk is, by far, the richest source of nutrition. However, breast milk is not pristine. The study aimed to analyse breast milk at lactational stages for persistent organic pollutants (OCPs, PCBs and PFAS), five heavy metals and essential elements. Participants for the study were healthy lactating mothers (aged 18 – 42 years) from first to third week postpartum. Forty-seven participants were recruited for the study. Forty millilitres (40 mL) of colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk were collected from each participant, making a total of 150 samples. Besides, each participant completed a comprehensive questionnaire to elicit information on biodata, place of residence and dietary pattern. Ten millilitres (10 mL) aliquot of each breast milk sample was prepared, extracted and analysed for PFAS using UPLC–MS/MS. Another 10 mL aliquot sample was extracted using QUECHERS and cleaned up and analysed for OCPs and PCBs using GC – ECD and GC–MS respectively A further 10 mL aliquots sample were acid digested employing EPA Method 3010A and analysed using ICP-OES. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (Version 24), Excel Tool Pak and XLSTAT 2022.4.1.1377 and the results summarised in tables and figures. The mean Levels and ranges of PFAS detected in breast milk ranged from 2.65 ± 3.31 ng/L (PFHxA) – 83.14 ± 38.61 ng/L (PFOS). Both OCPs and PCBs analyzed were all below limits of detection. Mean levels of heavy metals in colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk respectively ranged from 0.002 (Cd) – 0.872 (Al) μg/L; 0.002 (Cd) – 0.997 (Pb) μg/L and 0.002 (Cd) – 0.564 (Al). The mean levels of essential elements ranged from 0.07 (Se) – 815.00 (K); 0.07 (Se) – 1008,00 (Na) and 0.07 (Se) – 596.00 (K) respectively during the stages of lactation.