Physicochemical characterization and determination of metals in apismelliferal.honeyproducedinaregioncontaminatedbylead

Abstract

This study evaluated the quality of Apis mellifera L. honey produced in a region with lead contamination for more than 30 years. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated following official methods of chemical analyses. Metal concentrations in samples were determined using the technique Inductively Coupled Plasma/Optical Emission Spectrometry. Samples showed significant differences. Regarding the physicochemical parameters, metal levels in all samples complied with standards established by current legislation in Brazil. The metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were detected in samples. Only aluminum showed concentrations below the detection limit in all samples. Among the metals evaluated, only chromium showed concentrations in all samples above the threshold established by the legislation. The honey evaluated complied with quality requirements for physicochemical parameters. Metals determined and quantified presented concentrations in compliance with limits established by Brazilian and international legislations, except for chromium.