Assessment of essential minerals and physico-chemical analysis of floral origins fresh honey produced by Apis mellifera

Abstract

Honey is one of the best nutritious substances in the world, having different services in the body functions regulation. Ten elements (K, Na, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se) from honey samples were analyzed from 80 different locations of Punjab and ten floras. The aim of the present study was to determine the quality and quantity of minerals and Physico-chemical analysis in honey. A flame photometer was used to measure the concentration of major minerals (K, Ca and Na). The concentration of micro minerals (Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se) was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The concentration of macro-elements obtained was as follow (in ppm): K (166-1732), Na (107-418) and Ca (07-99), while the concentration of microelements (in ppm) Co (1-2), Cr (>1), Mn (<1), Mo (1.818), Ni (1.911), Pb (<1) and Se (1.968). The most abundant minerals were potassium, calcium and sodium, ranging between 396-810.5, 17.5-640.63 and 169.88-238.62 ppm, respectively. However, the trace mineral elements of honey were obtained in the order of decreasing Se > Co > Ni > Pb > Cr > Mo > Mn. The findings showed that all the heavy metals like Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were present in trace amounts and close to International Honey Quality Standard. The result of given honey samples represented highest value of moisture (31.23%), color (80 mm pfund), pH (8.23), acidity (72.02 meq/kg), electrical conductivity (0.85 ms/cm) and ash contents (0.83%).