Investigation of PCDD/Fs, Dioxin-Like PCBs and Metal Element in Honey from Taiwan and Mainland China

Abstract

Honey has always been the center of focus, not only because of its valuable nutrition, but also because of its use as an environmental indicator. In this context, 10 honey samples from Taiwan and Mainland China were collected to detect concentration of 17 PCDD/Fs, 12 dioxin-like PCBs and 27 metal elements by HRCG/HRMS and ICP-MS. The main goal was to investigate the difference between honeys of diverse geographical origins and to validate the feasibility of honey being an environmental bioindicator. The result showed lower concentration of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs than their MDLs, indicating it was not feasible using honey as the indicator for these compounds in the environment. The result for metal elements showed a higher concentration of K, Na, Mg and Ca in honey from Taiwan than those from the Mainland. Toxic element, As, Ba, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ag, were all found present in honey from the Mainland; while only three of those, Ba, Pb, Cd were detectible in honey from Taiwan. This could imply a much more complex pollution source in the Mainland than in Taiwan