Abstract

The content of selected macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb) of soil, forage as well as goats' milk samples collected from El-Salam Canal area, East Suez Canal, Egypt were evaluated. Samples were collected from three different sites, namely: El-Tina Plain, Gilbana and Baloza. The first two sites depending on El-Salam Canal water but the third one depending on potable water which is carried to El-Arish across El-Qantara water station; this is the main source of Nile water to Sinai. The macro and micro mineral concentrations significantly (P≤0.05) varied among the different locations. All available macronutrients and micronutrients in both of Sahl El-Tina and Gilbana were found to be higher than that recorded in Baloza, except in the concentration of P, but considered to be adequate for normal plant growth, while P and Zn in the soil samples were deficient. It is worthy to mention that, the concentrations of these elements in forage samples had variable amounts and appeared to be higher in N and Mn concentrations at the first two sites (El-Tina Plain and Gilbana) also Pb and Fe concentrations seemed to be high in all locations. In addition, no toxic accumulation of any mineral was detected in forage during the study period. According to the residues of macro minerals N and K in goats' milk samples, the concentrations were under the maximum residue limits. There were severe deficient of phosphorus levels in milk samples, these levels were parallel to forage and soil P concentrations. On the other hand, high levels of Pb were recorded at all the three locations, these levels were also parallel to forage Pb concentrations but were not parallel to soil Pb. Finally, one can say that, these variations in mineral profile between the different locations may be due to the complex relationship between soil, plant, water and goats grazing in these different locations which is reflected on the mineral profile of goats' milk in these specific locations.

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