Determination of Trace, Micro and Macro Elemental Concentration of Eritrean Honeys.

Abstract

In this study macro, micro and trace elemental concentrations were measured in Eritrean acacia honey samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (Al, B, C, K, Mg, Na, P and S) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn). The concentration of essential elements in the examined Eritrean acacia honeys decreased in the following order: K > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Sr > Mo. Independent samples T test was used to determine the statistically verified differences between the two regions, but there was none; however there were remarkable differences among the measured element contents of specific honey samples. Elemental concentrations of Eritrean honeys are influenced by the characteristics of the collecting area (e.g. elevation, agricultural activities, water resources).Our samples showed low essential elemental concentration; therefore the consumption of these honeys does not contribute significantly to the nutrition reference value (NRV) (around 1% of NRV). Toxic elemental concentrations were also low; thus the calculated estimated daily intakes were much lower than the tolerable daily intakes. Consumption of these honeys presents no risk for the human body.