Abstract

Naturally honey contains a variety of mineral elements which mostly indicates the botanical origin of honey and contamination by environmental sources. This study was done to determine the concentration of metals and to investigate the effects of season and location on concentration of metals in honey produced in Dawuro zone. The ash content of honey was determined by muffle furnace and the content of metals was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The mean values of ash and different metals within the three honey production seasons in Dawuro zone were ranged as: ash content, 0.10-0.14 g/100 g and content of metals (mg/kg): Na, 12.66-29.92; K, 74.84-154.90; Mg, 17.00-24.21; Ca, 40.39-72.96; Mn, 0.37-0.49; Fe, 1.82-3.79; Co, 0.14-0.51; Cu, 0.08-0.27 and Cd, 0.055-0.063. The study area was not free of heavy metals however, the concentrations were below the maximum limits permitted and the study area was free of environmental pollution which conforms to international standards concerning the good quality of honey. Finally, further study on other physicochemical parameters of honey and regular follow up of hazardous substances in this study area were suggested

Keywords: Dawuro; Honey; Metal concentration; Season