Fatty acid profile and heavy metal (copper, chromium and cobalt) content in animal oils in Ilam province

In determining the quality of oils, heavy metal content, physical-chemical indices, and fatty acid profile, especially trans fatty acids are important factors. In this study, animal oil samples of different regions of Ilam province studied. After digestion and extraction by microwave-assisted acid digestion, the heavy metals content of the samples measured by an improved flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method. Moreover, after extraction and derivatization of the oils, the fatty acid profile was analyzed by gas chromatography. To facilitate the conclusion of the data obtained, samples of different regions of the province are divided into three parts: northern, southern, and central cities. According to the results, copper, cobalt, and chromium levels were reported in the range of 0.04-4.47, 0.02-2.33, and 0.02-3.54 mg/kg, respectively, which were below the maximum permissible levels. It was revealed that using the modified gas chromatography method, it is possible to separate and measure 27 fatty acids simultaneously. Besides, an acceptable degree of extraction of oleic and linoleic acid is extracted to calculate the cis and trans isomers, which was achieved.