Determination of Mineral, Trace Element, and Pesticide Levels in Honey Samples Originating from Different Regions of Malaysia Compared to Manuka Honey
Thepresent study was undertaken to determine the content of six minerals, five trace elements, and ten pesticide residues in honeys originating from different regions of Malaysia. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), w...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
2014
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.usm.my/38650/ http://eprints.usm.my/38650/1/Determination_of_Mineral%2C_Trace_Element%2C_and_Pesticide_Levels_in_Honey_Samples_Originating.pdf |
| Summary: | Thepresent study was undertaken to determine the content of six minerals, five trace elements, and ten pesticide residues in honeys
originating from different regions of Malaysia. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed by flame
atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), while sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were analyzed by flame emission spectrometry
(FAES). Trace elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) were analyzed by graphite
furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) following the microwave digestion of honey. High mineral contents were
observed in the investigated honeys with K, Na, Ca, and Fe being the most abundant elements (mean concentrations of 1349.34,
236.80, 183.67, and 162.31mg/kg, resp.).The concentrations of the trace elements were within the recommended limits, indicating
that the honeys were of good quality. Principal component analysis reveals good discrimination between the different honey
samples. The pesticide analysis for the presence of organophosphorus and carbamates was performed by high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC). No pesticide residues were detected in any of the investigated honey samples, indicating that the honeys
were pure. Our study reveals that Malaysian honeys are rich sources of minerals with trace elements present within permissible
limits and that they are free from pesticide contamination. |
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