This monitoring study of 40 samples of cow's milk collected from different locations at Gharbia Governorate during the four different seasons of the years 2005-2006, was conducted to determine the contamination levels of seven pesticide residues including four organophosphorous ( chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, and malathion) and three synthetic pyrethroides ( cypermethrin, deltamethrin and fenvelerate), as well as five heavy metals ( copper, iron, cadmium, zink, and lead).The results showed that there were no contamination with investigated pesticide residues found in all analyzed samples, except for malathion, which was detected in a single sample with a negligible existence (0.018 mg/kg), by ratio of (0.02%) of all samples.
In relation to heavy metals detection, data revealed that all milk samples were contaminated with heavy metals all year around. The contamination with heavy metals was generally dominated at summer season. Level of lead was higher than other metals. The mean levels of Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, and Pb were 0.251, 0.607, 0.159, 0.371, and 2.462 mg/kg, respectively. Cu, Fe, and Zn level were under the permissible limits, while the Cd and Pb were exceeded the permissible limits, indicating serious heavy metals pollution in the region.