Work

Changes and Relationships Between PCB 126, PCB 169 and Macroelement Concentrations During the Technological Process of Selected High-Fat Dairy Products

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Dairy products are an important source of macroelements in the human diet but may also contain lipophilic contaminants such as dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). This study investigated changes in the concentrations of PCB 126 and PCB 169 and selected macroelements (Ca, K, Na and Mg) during the production of butter, fat blend and cream (18% fat). Samples collected at intermediate and final stages of production were analysed. PCB congeners were determined by GC-MS, whereas macroelements were analysed by ICP-AES. Butter production increased PCB 126 and 169 concentrations on a wet weight basis, while their concentrations decreased on a lipid basis. The greatest reduction was observed during fat blend production due to the addition of sunflower oil, whereas the smallest reduction occurred during cream production. Changes in PCB 126 and 169 concentrations were accompanied by decreases in macroelement concentrations, particularly calcium. Strong negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between PCB congeners and macroelements, whereas PCB 126 and PCB 169 showed strong positive correlations. These results indicate that dairy processing influences both PCB congener distribution and the macroelement composition of high-fat dairy products.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31162898

Authors: Agata Witczak, Monika Rajkowska-Myśliwiec, Laura Przedpełska, Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada

Institution: West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258