Affiliation:
1. Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
2. Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry and Residues, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Veterinary Institute Križevci, Zakmardijeva 10, 48260 Križevci, Croatia
3. Oreščanin Ltd., A. Jakšića 30, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
4. Laboratory for Residue Control, Department for Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Honey has been recognized as a reliable indicator of environmental quality because of honeybees’ intense foraging activity, which brings them into contact with many persistent organic pollutants around the hive. In this study, four types of honey (meadow, acacia, chestnut, and honey in comb) collected at three different locations were analyzed for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels. The highest levels of Fe and Cu in chestnut honey, Co and Zn in meadow honey, and Pb in honey in comb were observed in Varaždin County. The lowest levels of Pb in meadow honey and Co in comb honey were found from apiaries in Sisak-Moslavina County. Significant differences in the mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Fe were observed among the four honey types. Conversely, no significant differences in Co, Pb, and Zn levels were found. Most of the significant differences between the elements are related to chestnut honey. While sampling location (Fe) and type of honey (Pb), or both (Cr and Zn), significantly influenced the concentrations of some elements, these factors were found to be irrelevant for Mn, Co, and Cu. The results showed varying degrees of similarities and differences in mineral levels in honey samples, depending on floral and geographical origin.
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