Groups of honey - physicochemical properties and heavy metals

Abstract

The aim of the study was to obtain the physicochemical characteristics and the content of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn in three groups of honey (blossom, blends and honeydew). Physicochemical constituents were examined according the European Honey Commission recommended methods and heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Among the groups of honey significant differences in the amount of mineral substances, pH, electrical conductivity (P < 0.01) and free acidity (P < 0.05) were found. Differences were not found in water content and insoluble matter. The average concentration of hydroxymethylfufural (HMF) and sucrose varied in individual groups of honey, however, these differences were not statistically conclusive. Concentrations of risk elements (Cd 0.5-77.4 μg/kg, Pb 0.02-1.0 mg/kg, Hg 0.67-2.93 μg/kg, Cu 0.06-1.55 mg/kg and Zn 0.2-22.9 mg/kg) were far below the allowable limits and showed statistically significant differences (P< 0.01) for Cd, Hg Cu in the individual groups of honey. The content of Pb and Zn did not differ significantly in individual groups, however, significant correlations between HMF and Pb (r = 0.63, P < 0.05) and HMF and Zn (r = 0.5, P < 0.05) were found.