Variations In Physico-chemical Characteristics Research Articles

Deciphering physical and functional properties of chitosan-based particles for agriculture applications

Traditional methods for controlling plant pathogens rely on toxic chemicals, posing environmental and health risks. Developing sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives is crucial. Chitosan (CS)-based materials offer promising solutions for sustainable agriculture. We aimed to synthesize and characterize CS-based microparticles with varying properties and assess their antimicrobial performance to establish correlations between variations in physicochemical characteristics and their impact on performance within biological systems. We adjusted the synthesis parameters, producing particles labeled P1, P2, and P3, which have sizes of 0.19 ± 0.07 μm, 0.45 ± 0.32 μm, and 1.22 ± 0.32 μm, and zeta potentials of +7.6 ± 4.25 mV, +22 ± 3.51 mV, and + 12.9 ± 4.54 mV, respectively. Extensive toxicological screenings showed that these CS-based microparticles were non-toxic across cell cultures, mouse red blood cells, soil microbiota, nitrogen-cycling bacteria, and plant toxicity assays. Encouraged by these results, we evaluated their antimicrobial potential against economically important crop pathogens. The CS-based microparticles exhibited antimicrobial effects against the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii. Higher zeta potentials correlated with greater antimicrobial efficacy, evidenced by lower IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. These findings indicate that all three microparticles analyzed displayed antimicrobial activity against two economically significant crop pathogens, with P2 showing solid performance attributed to its physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, CS-based microparticles represent a promising, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly alternative for modern agriculture, with their biological activities potentially predictable through careful selection of physicochemical properties before the synthesis process.

Implementation Of Water Quality Index For Measuring Groundwater Quality

Groundwater is one of the major sources of water consumption in developing countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the variations in physicochemical characteristics and metal content and to calculate the Water Quality Index (WQI) to assess the groundwater quality of seven districts (Central, East, West, South, Malir, Korangi, and Kemari) of Karachi City, Pakistan. A stratified sampling approach was used to collect groundwater samples and turbidity, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Nitrate-N, and arsenic concentrations were investigated to profile WQI. The physicochemical parameters from districts South, West, Korangi, and Kemari were as per APHA standards and found suitable for drinking purposes. EC and TDS were in ranges of (2660-3870μS/cm) and (1596-2322mg/L) exceeding the standard limits resulting in poor drinking water quality respectively in districts Central, Malir, and East. These districts fail to meet the APHA standards and become unfit for human consumption on the WQI scale. However, TSS and arsenic was not detected in any of the collected samples. The correlation matrix for the[1] correlation coefficient (R-value) of tested parameters with WQI indicated significant linear and high R-value among tested parameters. The statistical analysis showed that turbidity, pH, EC, TDS, and Nitrate-N have significant effects on WQI. EC and TDS showed a direct correlation with WQI (R=1.0) whereas turbidity significantly correlates with the presence of nitrate in drinking water (R=0.64). These findings help the decision makers to plan mitigation strategies for comprehensive water quality monitoring of the respective areas and ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water to the public.

Antillean contaminated soils amendment with microwave prepared sargassum biochar: A promising solution to reduce chlordecone transfer to laying hens and piglets?

The use of Sargassum spp., a brown invasive algae, for the production of biochars (BCs) or activated carbons (ACs) and their efficiency to sequestrate chlordecone (CLD) in soil has been recently suggested. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of microwave prepared Sargasso biochar (BCS) amendment in Andosol on the bioavailability of chlordecone in laying hens and piglets, when exposed to this matrix. The efficiency of BCS was compared to a commercial activated carbon, DARCO® (ACD), used as a positive control and to an unamended soil. Samples of CLD-contaminated Andosol were amended with 2% of each carbonaceous matrix and let maturing for 3 months. Thereafter, adequate doses of soil were administered into the laying hens and piglets diets every day during the exposure phase, to simulate involuntary soil ingestion which may happen in practical conditions when animals are reared outside. Finally, bioavailability tests were carried out on target tissue (liver, muscle, adipose tissues and egg yolk). The results showed that the highest reduction of CLD bioavailability was obtained with ACD in both animal species. For laying hens, ACD showed reductions of around 60% (liver: 59%, muscle: 57% and egg yolk: 56%) whereas the BCS showed reduction of around 30% (liver: 31%, muscle: 26% and egg yolk: 30%) compared to the unamended soil. For piglets, only the liver showed interpretable results with reduction of 65% with ACD and 41% with BCS. Overall, BCS is efficient reducing CLD availability but in a lower extend than ACD. This discrepancy may be explained by the variations of physico-chemical characteristics that exist between the two matrices, resulting, from the additional activation phase for DARCO®. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of BCS it would be interesting to move towards DARCO® characteristics by determining out the optimal microwave pyrolysis parameters.

ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY AND SEASONAL FLUCTUATION OF ZOOPLANKTON POPULATION IN THE DORA BEEL ECOSYSTEM OF KAMRUP DISTRICT, ASSAM

The present investigation deals with the seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics and abundance of zooplankton population in Dora Beel, Kamrup District of Assam. The survey was undertaken from March, 2022 - February, 2023 and done in four different seasons viz. Monsoon, Pre-monsoon, winter and Post-monsoon. The physico-chemical studies include the seasonal study of water temperatures, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH and Free Carbon dioxide (CO2 ). The result of water analysis reveals that in winter season water temperature and free CO2 were minimum but dissolved oxygen was maximum. In the monsoon season water temperature and BOD were maximum but DO was in minimum level. Free carbon dioxide was maximum but BOD was minimum in post-monsoon. The pH level was minimum in pre-monsoon season and maximum in post-monsoon. A total 24 numbers of zooplankton species were recorded belonging to five different planktonic groups such as Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Ostracoda and Copepoda. The post-monsoon season observe as peak abundance season for all the zooplanktons and pre-monsoon as low abundance season. Protozoa is the dominant group (based on abundance) followed by Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda. But the number of species was highest in Rotifera group. The Copepoda and Ostracoda were the lowest abundant group.

Spatial and temporal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of water in Gangavali and Aghanashini mangroves, Southwest coast, Karnataka

Spatial and temporal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of water in Gangavali and Aghanashini mangroves, Southwest coast, Karnataka

Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Parameters of Manakudy Estuary, Southwest Coast of India

The present study was carried out to determine the seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of water in Manakudy estuary Southwest coast of India, from June 2020 to May 2022. The study revealed that the physico-chemical parameters like temperature, hydrogen ion concentration, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients like nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and total phosphorous exhibited considerable seasonal and spatial variations. The study showed that the Manakudy estuary is in a good state of health.

Changes in Antioxidant and Color Properties of Raisins According to Variety and Drying Method

Raisins are a significant grape product with an annual trade volume of approximately USD 2 billion. There are various methods employed for drying grapes into raisins. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on raisins, specifically, without pretreatment (SD), treatment with potassium carbonate (5%) containing 2% olive oil (POT), and treatment with ashy water with 2.5% olive oil (AOW). The study examined the changes in raisin weight, physicochemical characteristics, total phenolics, antioxidant and anthocyanin contents, color properties, and protein content in three grape varieties: Deyvani, Haseni, and Reşek. The results indicated that POT treatment resulted in the lightest raisins in Deyvani (0.48 g) and Reşek (0.58 g), while Haseni exhibited the heaviest raisins (0.64 g) under the same treatment. The variations in physicochemical characteristics were relatively limited compared to the changes observed in phenolic and antioxidant properties. Nontreated raisins had the lowest anthocyanin content across all varieties. Protein content was significantly affected by the POT treatment, while the effects of the AOW and SD treatments were comparatively minor. SD drying resulted in slightly brighter raisins, but lower phenolic content and significantly lower color properties. The findings of this study highlight the differential effects of drying methods on different grape varieties, emphasizing the importance of considering a variety-specific approach when selecting the drying method.

Spatial variations in physico-chemical characteristics of PΜ2.5 in an urban coastal city of India and associated health risks

Spatial variations in physico-chemical characteristics of PΜ2.5 in an urban coastal city of India and associated health risks

Comparative study on seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of four soda lakes of Ethiopia (Arenguade, Beseka, Chitu and Shala)

Soda lakes are productive natural ecosystems with substantial economic and non-economic values. Currently, they are facing considerable environmental threats that can lead to further degradation. The objective of this study was to investigate comparative spatiotemporal variations of physicochemical properties of four Ethiopian soda lakes in comparison with their historical data. Central (open-water) sampling sites were selected from four Ethiopian soda lakes: Arenguade, Beseka, Chittu and Shala. Water samples were collected from open sampling stations from January to December 2020 and analyzed at Limnology laboratory of Addis Ababa University. The geographical position of each lake was determined by means of Global Positioning System (GPS). All physicochemical factors exhibited significant differences between seasons (ANOVA, P < 0.05), except salinity in Lake Shala. The concentrations of physicochemical parameters were generally high during the dry seasons in the studied lakes due to the low incidence of rainfall, caused by recurrent drought, resulting in higher evapotranspiration rates as they are characterized by a long dry season. Lakes Arenguade and Beseka showed considerable decrease in conductivity, alkalinity and salinity, compared to data from the 1960s and 1990s, which might be attributed to dilution effect. The same parameters show slightly increasing trend in Lake Arenguade which might be due to high evaporation rate. In general, the physicochemical parameters of the study lakes showed temporal variations, which could be attributed to the dilution effect, evaporation, and hydrological characteristics of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. In the face of climate change and recurring droughts, in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, the outcomes of this study might be used as input for the long-term planning, of water resources management and devising mitigation strategies.

Seasonal Variation and Pollution Assessment of Some Physicochemical Parameters of the Surface Water of Mahin Lagoon and Its Adjoining creeks, South-Western Nigeria

Indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastes from into the aquatic ecosystem may result in deterioration of water quality, as well as poses a great threat to the balance of aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the seasonal variation in physicochemical characteristics and assessed the pollution status of Mahin Lagoon and its adjoining creeks using standard method. Results of physico-chemical parameters varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) across seasons and stations, with the following mean values: Temperature (27.79±0.96oC), salinity (7.65±0.99‰), conductivity (15.23±17.63µS/cm), pH (7.74±6.57), DO (7.65±0.99 mg/L), BOD (7.74±6.57mg/L), nitrate (8.00±3.67mg/L), sulphate (8.60±5.01mg/L), phosphate (3.88±1.55mg/L). Heavy metals were with the following mean values: Zn (7.15±6.31mg/L), Pb (0.04±0.21mg/L), Fe (10.63±6.02mg/L), Cu (1.16±1.72mg/L), Cr (0.02±0.00mg/L), Cd (0.01±0.08mg/L), Ni (0.28±0.45mg/L) and Co (0.26±0.44mg/L). The physic-chemical parameters were within the permissible limits recommended by International Organizations for lotic ecosystem. However, the single-factor pollution index (PI) classified pH, DO, BOD, Cu and Zn within the ‘medium pollution’ category while nitrate and phosphate indicated heavy pollution status. The PI also revealed that Cu, Fe and Ni were at serious pollution level while Co and Cr were at non-pollution level. The comprehensive pollution index revealed that the water was severely polluted (CPI &lt; 2). The Hazard Quotients of heavy metals in the surface water were less than 1 (HQ &lt; 1) indicating there was no risk to human health through ingestion or dermal contact. Therefore, the water from the Mahin lagoon and its adjoining creeks may still be suitable for domestic use and conducive for survival of aquatic life.

Physicochemical characteristics and microbial communities of rhizosphere in complex amendment-assisted soilless revegetation of gold mine tailings

Amendment-assisted soilless revegetation is a promissing ecological restoration method of mine tailings because of its eco-friendliness and low-cost. However, it is difficult to establish the plant community during ecological restoration because of its nutrient deficiency and heavy metal toxicity. In this study, the complex amendment, consisting of 1% peat, 1% sludge and 4% bentonite, was used to assist tall fescue to revegetate gold mine tailings. The variation in physicochemical characteristics and microbial community diversity and composition of rhizosphere tailings were investigated. The complex amendments significantly promoted tall fescue growth with an increase of 35.33% in shoot length and 27.19% in fresh weight. The improved plant growth was attributed to the reduction in heavy metal accumulation and the variation in the characteristics of rhizosphere tailing microecology. The heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues were decreased by 27.71–53.44% in the amended groups. Compared with the control, the available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels in TA (without plant cultivation) and TPA (with plant cultivation) were also enhanced by 36.67–49.09% and 42.21–71.47%, respectively. Besides, the amendments introduced more exclusive operational taxonomic units (OTU) and increased the relative abundance of ecologically beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere. Overall, this study provides insight into amendment-assisted soilless revegetation and its effects on microecology to expand ecological restoration of gold mine tailings.

Variations in physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, phenolic and volatile profiles, and sensory attributes of tea-flavored Chardonnay wine during bottle aging.

A novel Chardonnay wine flavored with either green tea or black tea was subjected to bottle aging for 9 months, and the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, volatile content and sensory properties were monitored. There were 272 phenolic and non-phenolic compounds characterized in the aged Chardonnay wines, including newly formed 9, 1, 3 and 8 phenolic compounds and 10, 6, 1 and 6 non-phenolic compounds after aging for 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively. For all the aged wines, catechin was determined as the most abundant phenolic compound, and epigallocatechin mainly contributed toward the antioxidant power. A total of 54 volatile compounds were identified in the aged Chardonnay wines, including 17 odor-active compounds. The aging process diminished floral and fruity odors, but intensified green odor. The consumer study revealed the highest consumer liking for 1% (w/v) black tea infused wine. This study revealed the quality and bioactivity of this novel flavored wine type during aging which is critical to understand the shelf-life and functionality of the product.

Variations in Physicochemical Characteristics of Olive Oil (cv ‘Moroccan Picholine’) According to Extraction Technology as Revealed by Multivariate Analysis

Olive oil is an important component of Mediterranean diet widely, consumed thanks to its numerous health-healing properties. Its quality is dependent upon a set of factors (genotypic, environmental, agronomic practices, ripening, etc). These are well documented, but little is known about the impact of extraction technology on ‘Moroccan Picholine’ olive oil quality. In this paper, physicochemical traits of olive oil (cv ‘Moroccan Picholine’) were investigated according to extraction technology namely super pressure (SP), 2-phase (2P), and 3-phase (3P) systems as well as traditionally extracted oil (Alwana Oil, AO). The obtained results revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in terms of the studied physicochemical traits. The investigated oil samples were classified as extra-virgin olive oil. Oil samples from super pressure and AO marked by high records of peroxide value, acidity, K270, fatty acids and trans fatty acids likely due to partial oxidation during extraction. AO was marked by high MUFA, stigmasterol, brassicosterol, 2P displayed high SFA and β-sitosterol, and 3P had high PUFA, SFA, ∆7-avenasterol, and ∆7-stigmasterol. These results were confirmed by principal component analysis, cluster analysis and artificial neural networks. In conclusion, continuous systems (2- and 3-phase) produced olive oil of better quality as compared to super-pressure and traditionally extracted oil.

Monitoring the variations in physicochemical characteristics of squab meat during the braising cooking process.

Braised squabs are traditional Chinese foods. However, the processing is highly experience dependent and lacks a theoretical basis. Hence, a comparative study of the physicochemical properties in different processing stages of braised squabs was necessary. We observed the physicochemical changes in the processing stages of braised squabs (raw meat, braised meat, and fried meat). The color parameters, moisture content, and drip loss rate gradually decreased during the processing. On the contrary, crude protein content and pH value were upregulated in the processing stages of braised squabs. Furthermore, the diameter of muscle fiber significantly increased in the braised meat and further decreased in the fried meat compared with the raw muscle fiber. Similarly, hardness, springiness, and chewiness were also increased in the braised step and decreased in the fried step. Additionally, the contents of essential amino acids remain unchanged. Hence, our results provided a certain reference value on the production of braised squabs.

Dynamic variations in physicochemical characteristics of oolong tea polysaccharides during simulated digestion and fecal fermentation in vitro.

In this study, dynamic variations in physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharides from 'Wuyi rock' tea (WYP) at different simulated digestion and fecal fermentation stages in vitro were studied. Results revealed that physicochemical characteristics of WYP were slightly altered after the simulated digestion in vitro, and its digestibility was about 8.38%. Conversely, physicochemical characteristics of the indigestible WYP, including reducing sugar, chemical composition, constituent monosaccharide, molecular weight, and FT-IR spectrum, were obviously altered after the fecal fermentation in vitro, and its fermentability was about 42.18%. Notably, the indigestible WYP could remarkably modulate the microbial composition via promoting the proliferation of profitable intestinal microbes, such as Bacteroides, Lactococcus, and Bifidobacterium. Moreover, it could also enhance the generation of short-chain fatty acids. The results showed that WYP was slightly digested in the gastrointestinal tract in vitro, but could be obviously utilized by intestinal microbiota, and might possess the potential to improve intestinal health.

Chemical transformation and bioavailability of chromium in the contaminated soil amended with bioamendments

The biotoxicity of chromium (Cr) present in the soil is determined by the transformation and bioavailability of chemical species. A better understanding of these factors aids in developing appropriate remediation strategies for Cr contaminated soils. The present work studied the transformation of Cr in soil and the effect of bioamendments by conducting a laboratory closed incubation experiment of 60 days (duration). The physical properties of the contaminated soil were enhanced by the addition of bioamendments such as farmyard manure, composted poultry manure, pressmud compost, and biochar with two moisture conditions. The biochar reduced the bioavailable fractions of Cr due to the high surface area. Therefore, it facilitates a higher adsorption rate, whereas poultry manure and pressmud compost increased the bioavailability of Cr. The pH ranged from 7.04 to 8.25 throughout the experiment in both the condition. Comparing the other fractions, higher concentration was recorded in the residual fractions of 89.85 to 124.77 mg Kg−1 in the field capacity condition and 93.85 to 114.29 mg Kg−1 in alternate wetting and drying conditions. FTIR analyses of bio-amendments demonstrated similar variations in physicochemical characteristics wherein higher concentration was observed in biochar (3700–3200 cm −1 ). A significant reduction of bioavailable fractions of chromium was observed in biochar (80%) amended soil, followed by farmyard manure (70%). The lowest reduction was observed in the pressmud amended soils (55%). Biochar amended soil significantly reduced the fractions of Cr and increased the organic carbon; thus, it demonstrating the impacts of bioamendments on the mobilization or immobilization of Cr in the contaminated soil, and this can be effectively used in the bioremediation of Cr contaminated soil.

Coagulation Behavior of Antimony Oxyanions in Water: Influence of pH, Inorganic and Organic Matter on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Iron Precipitates.

The presence of inorganic and organic substances may alter the physicochemical properties of iron (Fe) salt precipitates, thereby stabilizing the antimony (Sb) oxyanions in potable water during the chemical treatment process. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the surface characteristics, size of Fe flocs and coagulation performance of Sb oxyanions under different aqueous matrices. The results showed that surface properties of Fe flocs significantly varies with pH in both Sb(III, V) suspensions, thereby increasing the mobility of Sb(V) ions in alkaline conditions. The negligible change in surface characteristics of Fe flocs was observed in pure water and Sb(III, V) suspension at pH 7. The key role of Van der Waals forces of attraction as well as hydration force in the aggregation of early formed flocs were found, with greater agglomeration capability at higher more ferric chloride dosage. The higher Sb(V) loading decreased the size of Fe flocs and reversed the surface charge of precipitates, resulting in a significant reduction in Sb(V) removal efficiency. The competitive inhibition effect on Sb(III, V) removal was noticed in the presence of phosphate anions, owing to lowering of ζ-potential values towards more negative trajectory. The presence of hydrophobic organic matter (humic acid) significantly altered the surface characteristics of Fe flocs, thereby affecting the coagulation behavior of Sb in water as compared to the hydrophilic (salicylic acid). Overall, the findings of this research may provide a new insight into the variation in physicochemical characteristics of Fe flocs and Sb removal behavior in the presence of inorganic and organic compounds during the drinking water treatment process.

A study of saltwater intrusion in the Kallada River, southwest coast of Kerala, India

AbstractMunroe Island in Kollam District of Kerala is a typical backwater village situated at the confluence of the Ashtamudi backwater and the Kallada River system. It is an amalgamation of eight small islands with a total area of 13.4 km2. Salinity intrusion has been a serious threat in the downstream areas of Kallada River for more than one and half decades, affecting the groundwater quality of Munroe Island. The present study focuses on the seasonal variation in physico-chemical characteristics of the underground water system of Munroe Island and Kallada River with special reference to saline water intrusion. Physico-chemical analysis of ground water revealed that samples were unsuitable for drinking due to higher content of Na, Ca, and K. Microbiological analysis of island groundwater showed the presence of coliform and E. coli bacteria above the permissible limit. Results indicated a significant correlation between salinity and major anions viz., Cl− and SO42 and cations viz., Mg, Na, Ca, and K of both river surface and island groundwater. In the present study it is clearly evident the occurrence of saltwater intrusion in Kallada River from Ashtamudy Lake and the its severity become higher during premonsoon season. The results also indicated that the salinity increase in Kallada River has a negative impact on island groundwater quality. The paper also suggests suitable management strategies for overcoming the saltwater intrusion thereby upgrading island sustainability.

Biosynthesis of c9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid and the effect on characteristics in fermented soy milk

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of fermentation conditions on c9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) synthesized by Lactobacillus casei and the variation of physicochemical characteristics, including pH, viable cell number, syneresis and texture profile, of fermented soy milk (FSM) during storage at 4 °C for 28 days. Fermentation in 7°Brix of soy milk (SM) supplemented with 0.1% linoleic acid and incubated at 37 °C for 72 h was found to be the optimal conditions for c9,t11-CLA biosynthesis. Within the storage of 14 days, viable cell number, total flavonoid content, water-holding capacity, spontaneous syneresis and texture profile in FSM remained stable. During the storage of 28 days, the viable cell number and c9,t11-CLA level were higher than 6.58 log CFU/mL and 816.33 μg/g, respectively.

Physicochemical characteristics and mineral status of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh, India

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the quality of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh in terms of physicochemical characteristics and mineral status.Design/methodology/approachThree honey-producing locations were selected within each agro-climatic zone, honey sampled from four separate apiaries within each location and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and mineral status using standard methodologies. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with one-way classification, after appropriate transformation through online OP-STAT software and MS Excel. The correlation coefficient (r) was also calculated. Principal component analysis was done using XL-STAT software.FindingsThe honey of Zone 4 had highest fructose (36.62%), F:G ratio (1.55), acidity (46.07 meq/kg), vitamin C (25.04 mg/100 g) and diastase (19.22 DN), whereas the pollen density (76,666.67 pollen grains per 10 g), pH (5.94), sucrose (6.94%), hydroxy methyl furfuraldehyde (70.20 mg/kg), amino acid (103.83 mg/100 g), phenols (77.39 mg/100 g), Ca (81.04 mg/kg) and K (354.17 mg/kg) were highest for Zone 2. Highest electrical conductivity (0.24 mS/cm), moisture (16.50 %), glucose (34.20%) and P content (62.93 mg/kg) were recorded for Zone 1. Correlation studies indicated a significant positive correlation between pH and EC; EC and moisture; colour and pollen density. Examining the graphical distribution of the honey samples, a natural separation between honeys of four different agro-climatic zones was obtained.Originality/valueThe impact of geographical/agro-climatic variations in physicochemical characteristics of honey has not been worked out under the present scenario in Himachal Pradesh.