Arnavutluk'ta Ev Yapımı Köy Peynirlerinde Mevsimsel Olarak Ağır Metal Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi


Tezin Türü: Bütünleşik Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa, Veteriner Fakültesi, Besin Gıda Hijyeni Ve Teknolojisi Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2026

Tezin Dili: Türkçe

Öğrenci: Migena GJONI GÜNDEMİR

Asıl Danışman (Eş Danışmanlı Tezler İçin): Ali Aydın

Eş Danışman: Mentor Alıshanı

Özet:

 This study aimed to determine the levels of aluminum, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, tin, mercury, and lead in homemade village cheese samples collected from different cities of Albania during the summer and winter seasons of 2024–2025, and to assess the seasonal and regional distribution of these levels. The research material consisted of a total of 171 cheese samples, including 64 collected in winter and 107 in summer. The samples were evaluated on a wet weight basis, and approximately 1 g of each sample was digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Elemental analyses were performed using an Agilent 7700x ICP-MS instrument. The obtained data were reported in µg/kg, and comparisons were conducted at seasonal, regional, and city levels. According to the numerical results, Al levels were determined as an average of 2,048 µg/kg (92.4-9,216.9 µg/kg) in winter and 2,372 µg/kg (79.3-12,054.0 µg/kg) in summer. Cr levels were 57.4 µg/kg (8.1-243.6 µg/kg) in winter and 50.0 µg/kg (7.5-260.6 µg/kg) in summer. Ni levels were 49.5 µg/kg (12.2-164.2 µg/kg) in winter and 95.2 µg/kg (8.1-3,427.7 µg/kg) in summer. Cu concentrations were found to be 138,165 µg/kg (46.1-305.5 µg/kg) in winter and 162,774 µg/kg (44.9-398.7 µg/kg) in summer. Zn levels were 25,834 µg/kg (8,145.4-82,124.0 µg/kg) in winter and 26,850 µg/kg (7,775.1-156,238.9 µg/kg) in summer. Sn levels were 32,497 µg/kg (4,986.8-58,452.0 µg/kg) in winter and 31,919 µg/kg (17,811.5-57,340.7 µg/kg) in summer. Pb levels were determined as 115,455 µg/kg (4.3-485.5 µg/kg) in winter and 183,110 µg/kg (1.1-2,012.1 µg/kg) in summer. No reportable numerical data were obtained for As, Cd, and Hg. The findings revealed that the heavy metal profile of village cheeses was not homogeneous and exhibited different patterns depending on the type of metal/metalloid. Seasonal evaluation indicated that Al and Cu levels increased significantly during the summer period (p<0.05). Although Ni and Pb levels also showed a noticeable increasing trend in summer, these differences were not statistically significant. No significant seasonal differences were observed for Cr, Zn, and Sn. In the regional evaluation, cheeses obtained during the summer contained higher Al levels in Northern Albania and higher Pb levels in Central Albania. Additionally, the presence of notable concentrations of certain elements in some cities suggests heterogeneity associated with environmental exposure and production conditions. In conclusion, heavy metal levels in homemade village cheeses in Albania vary depending on seasonal and regional factors. Therefore, it is important to continue heavy metal monitoring studies, particularly for Pb and Al, on a seasonal and regional basis. Regular control of water, feed, equipment, and contact materials used in production is essential for ensuring food safety.