The concentrations of 12 non-essential trace elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, U, Cr, Sr, Be, Ni, Al, Sn and Tl) and 8 essential trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, V, Se, Co and Mo) were determined in 78 raw milk samples of sheep and goat species. The samples were collected in 4 sites in southern part of Italy (Manfredonia and Brindisi sited in Apulia region, Tito and Val Basento sited in Basilicata region) that are included in the list of Italian Sites of National Interest (SIN). Quantitative determinations were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using a validated multi-analita method. The results were compared with those found in literature and elaborated by Principal Component Analysis statistical method (PCA), in order to put in evidence the differences about the content of such trace elements. While the place of sampling played an important role in the differentiation of samples, the species and the season of production appeared to play a marginal role. Two non compliances were found in lead content, in two sheep milk samples from the site of Val Basento. Nevertheless, no evidence of sanitary problem regarding the consumption of sheep and goat milk was found.

The bivalve molluscs represent an important matrix to be studied for several reasons. Their nutritional properties make them valuable to the consumers, so that their consumption and commercial value has risen worldwide. Simultaneously, their significant water-filtering capability and their persistence in the same place make them good bio-indicators of marine ecosystems. The presence of the heavy metal contaminants, as Cd, Pb and Hg, was investigated in bivalve molluscs such as mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), clams (Venus gallina) and oysters (Ostrea edulis). In the present study, a survey was carried out on 334 samples addressed to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale – Puglia e Basilicata, Foggia (ITALY) between 2009-2011, and collected by official authorities along the coasts of Apulia Region. The conformity of heavy metal content in bivalve molluscs was verified, in according to EC Reg. 1881/2006. The compliance was found for the total amount of samples. The obtained data on heavy metals concentration in bivalve molluscs were compared with data found in monitoring studies on the incidence of heavy metals in 1981 in North-Western Mediterranean Sea, in 2003 in Tyrrhenian Sea and in 2010 in Pacific Ocean (Chile), reported in literature. The information obtained from this work offer an essential database, not only for the authorities involved in food control, but also for the official institutions responsible of a constant control of the marine ecosystem pollution.