Determination of heavy metal content in whey protein samples from markets in Giza, Egypt, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: A probabilistic risk assessment study

Whey protein is a by-product obtained from cheese manufacturing, contains high amounts of essential metals and amino acids. We assessed levels and health risk of Co, Ni, Sn, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Al, Na, Ca, Mg, Pb, Cd, and Hg in different whey protein samples collected in Egypt using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). Large differences were found between the measured and defined values for some metals (such as Na, Mn, Cr, Cu, and Mg), whereas others showed only minor variation (Fe and Zn). The maximum concentration of Ca, Na, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Al, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Sn was 12860, 5336, 3248, 66.11, 40.14, 16.78, 16.26, 14.37, 0.927, 0.685, and 0.502 mg/kg, respectively. The Co levels in all samples were found to be varied between N.D (not detectable) and lower than the limit of quantification (< LOQ). The concentration of Cd was found to range between 0.022 and 0.335 mg/kg, while Pb concentration was found to vary between 0.036 and 0.096 mg/kg. Also, all samples were found to be free of any detectable amount of Hg. The health risk assessment was evaluated for estimated daily intake (EDI), average body weight (70 kg), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) using the FAO/WHO and US EPA recommendations. Based on our results, the EDI and HQ values for most of elements in whey protein were lower than 1, which indicates no adverse effects may occur. The HI values for most of whey protein samples were lower than 1. Among the samples, only two brands had HI > 1, indicates that there is some possibility that noncancer effects may occur through consumption in the future.