Abstract
Brazil is known for its high biodiversity, which leads to distinguishable properties in bee pollen composition. Besides, profiling their features as a marker of good quality would help beekeepers to market the pollen better and also understand the health status of their beehives. Herein, 40 pollen samples were assessed for ashes, pH, and an X-ray fluorescence profile, aiming to classify them through a multivariate statistical approach. Ashes were associated with higher content of K and Ca ranging from 1.77% to 4.00%, and pH is affected by floral source (3.82 – 4.94) being more comparable for mono-floral pollens. Characteristic X-rays were observed for the elements Br, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, P, Rb, S, Sr, and Zn, with a predominance of the macronutrients K and Ca. The elemental distribution featured K, Ca, P, Zn, and S in the Northeast. Mn, Rb, and Fe in the South and Cu and Sr in the Southeast. Pollen composition showed a nutrient availability pattern that reflected the regional soil characteristics in Brazil. Therefore, X-ray fluorescence is a feasible technique for assessing pollen composition as a quick and environmentally friendly alternative.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
