Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN HONEY BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER

Chandrama Singh, Shubharani, R* and Sivaram, V

ABSTRACT

Heavy metals in honey are of interest mainly for quality control and nutritional aspect along with the determination of environmental contamination.The objective of this work was to determine distribution of the levels of selected heavy metals like Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb) in honey samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). A total of 20 samples were collected from different regions in Karnataka of which 15 samples were multifloral and five unifloral. The analysis revealed the presence of Lead (4.2ppm), Chromium (0.14ppm) and Cadmium (0.76ppm) in the collected samples. Contamination by Mercury and Arsenic was found to be below detection level. The presence of these toxic metals in bee honey is an evidence of micropolluting agents in the environment. These findings helped us to conclude that the acceptable level of heavy metals present in the honey of the study area has no negative impact on the living organisms. Honey produced in different regions of Karnataka state do not completely lack heavy metals but they are at satisfactory level and good quality for human consumption.

Keywords: Honey, Heavy metals, Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Lead.