Geographical dissemination of trace and major elements in honey

Abstract

Honey is a natural food commodity that contains up to 200 components. Within the context of environmental science and considering food safety issues, a relatively simple way for honey differentiation is the quantitative analysis of trace and major elements, especially due to the fact that honey composition is not constant and equal in different geographical locations. Also, considerable influence of botanical origin should be taken into account. The aim of the study was to find out the geographical dissemination of elements in honey by analyzing 80 honey samples collected over the territory of Latvia. Honey samples were collected within two seasons (2009/2010). Water based acidified solutions of honey samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was possible to quantify 5 major elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na) and 15 trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn). Results showed slight differences between the selected regions taking into account that the region selection was based on the available geochemical information. Some regional distinctions were detected in element content of honey, mainly concerning heavy metals. Comparison of results with the data from other countries revealed that honey samples from Latvia can be assessed as medium rich with major elements as well as slightly contaminated with potentially toxic elements. It was determined that the element content of honey is not strongly connected with geochemical background but more is influenced by the consequences of anthropogenic activities.