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Characterisation and comparison of Croatian unifloral honeys according to micro and macro element content

In this study twenty elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Zn) were determined in 12 lime (Tilia sp.), 13 chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and 17 black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) honey samples from Croatia by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Honey samples were prepared for analysis using microwave acid digestion procedure. Samples were collected during the 2014 harvesting season. Botanical origin of samples was determined by the combination of physicochemical, melissopalynological and sensory analyses. Potassium, calcium and phosphorus were the most abundant elements in all three honey types. Similar percentage shares (%) of potassium, calcium and phosphorus in the total micro and macro element content were found for lime and chestnut honey (K 79.0-91.1 and 86.4-90.9, Ca 4.2- 14.5 and 4.9-7.8, P 1.8-5.2 and 1.5-2.2, respectively) while in black locust honey samples potassium share was lower and calcium and phosphorus share was considerably higher (K 57.1- 77.7, Ca 7.5-25.0, P 7.4-12.5). Average manganese concentration in chestnut honey samples (20.77 mg kg-1) was substantially higher in comparison with other two honey types (lime 1.04 mg kg-1 and black locust 0.16 mg kg-1). Concentration of potentially toxic elements (As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg) was very low in all honey samples, with exception of one lime honey sample which beside high concentrations of chromium also had high concentrations of zinc, iron, and aluminium, indicating the possibility of storage or environmental contamination.

honey; ICP-OES; micro and macro element content; characterisation; comparison

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