Detection of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (I-PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cow milk from selected areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh and potential human health risks assessment

In this study, the levels of indicator PCBs congeners and PAHs compounds were reported in cow milk from selected areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the potential human health risks were assessed. A total of 100 milk samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Method validation was performed using recovery performance, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) assays. PCBs congeners, including PCB No. 52 (2,2´,5,5´-tetrachlorobiphenyl), PCB No. 101 (2,2´,4,5,5´-pentachlorobiphenyl), PCB No. 153 (2,2,4,4,5,5–hexachlorobiphenyl), and PCB No 209 (Decachloro-1,1′-biphenyl perchlorobiphenyl) were detected, whereas PCB No 28 (2,2 ´,4–trichlorobiphenyl), PCB No. 138 (2,2´,3,4,4´,5´–hexachlorobiphenyl), and PCB No 180 (2,2´,3,4,4´,5,5´–heptachlorobiphenyl) were not detected in the analyzed milk samples. Among the 16 PAHs compounds, benzo (a) anthracene and chrysene were detected in milk samples. The Σ hazard risk index (HI) of all detected PCBs congeners was below the limit set by the European Food Safety Authority, which indicates limited health risks to animals and humans in the study area. However, the presence of PCBs and PAHs in milk samples from industrial areas may negatively affect human health, and further detailed studies are required to ensure public health safety.