Abstract

Honey as a biomarker can be used to determine environmental exposure to selected contaminants, including heavy metals. Twelve sites were selected for experimental studies close to major pollution sources such as industrial sites, landfills, railroads, and highways. Honey samples were burned to ash and heavy metals in the ash were measured using aqua regia digestion in a microwave digestion system. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni) were measured using a Buck Scientific Model 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace nebulizer and acetylene air flame. Average amounts of these heavy metals were detected in the honey samples analysed. It was 0.0030 mg/kg for Cd, 0.0179 mg/kg for Pb, 0.0317 mg/kg for Cr, 0.0999 mg/kg for Cu and 0.0332 mg/kg for Ni. The results obtained were compared with studies of honey samples conducted in other countries. It is difficult to compare heavy metal levels in honey from different countries due to factors such as honey type, soil composition, rainfall, temperature, harvested plants and vegetation length. And flowering and the level of anthropogenic pollution varies by region. With the exception of the Pb content in honey samples, the heavy metal contents tested in honey were low and did not pose a risk to human health. Relationships between heavy metal levels were evaluated to determine exposure to pollutants. (Traffic and industry), statistical analysis was performed [1]. Means, medians, standard deviations, confidence intervals and Spearman coefficients were performed. Correlation analysis showed strong negative correlation coefficients between heavy metals.