Abstract:
Honey samples obtained from Black Sea Region of Turkey were screened for physicochemical quality as well as the presence of heavy metals and minerals, veterinary drugs (antibiotics), pesticide and naphthalene residues. Mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were 5.42 +/- 0.02 pH; 16.66 +/- 0.12% moisture; 67.54 +/- 0.49% invert sugar; 3.62 +/- 0.13% sucrose; 0.2 +/- 0.01% ash; 0.48 +/- 0.03 mS/cm electrical conductivity; 24.97 +/- 0.27 meq/kg acidity; 8.86 +/- 0.38 mg/kg hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde, and 10.45 +/- 0.26 diastase activity. In the analysed samples, potassium was the major element, and manganese the minor one. Mean values obtained were (mg/kg): Ca, 4.83 +/- 0.33; K, 195.29 +/- 5.28; Mg, 19.97 +/- 0.88; Na, 10.75 +/- 0.23; Mn, 0.34 +/- 0.05; B, 0.71 +/- 0.04. The contents of heavy metals (Cu, 0.18 +/- 0.01; Zn, 0.16 +/- 0.01; Cd, 0.07 +/- 0.00; Fe, 1.66 +/- 0.04; Ba, 1.02 +/- 0.03; Ni, 0.14 +/- 0.01; Al, 0.021 +/- 0.001 mg/kg; Cr, 6.58 +/- 0.28; Pb, 6.99 +/- 0.31 mu g/kg) were within permitted levels. 32.5 % of the examined samples had drug residues at least one kind. Only the honey samples from Artvin had no residue of veterinary drugs (streptomycin, tetracyclines and sulphonamides). Amitraz and flumethrin were detected in 44 (21%) and 73 (34.9%) samples at concentration ranging from 57.9 to 167.4 ppb and 20.9 to 38.6 ppb, respectively. Although the mean value for naphthalene residue was found to be 4.04 +/- 0.48 mu g/kg, it was understood that using of naphthalene had been progressing. The results obtained for physicochemical characteristics of Black Sea Region honeys indicate a good quality level, adequate processing, good maturity and freshness. But in terms of residues of antibiotics, pesticides and naphthalene, the beekeepers should be educated on the value and importance of the quality of honey, and further investigations are needed.