engleski

Concentrations of lead in multifloral honeys from continental Croatia

Toxic heavy metals such as lead accumulate in the topsoil, thus endangering crops, vegetables and microflora and causing their incorporation into the food chain. Widespread environmental contamination with lead has been caused by the use of it in batteries, bearing metals, gasoline additives, explosives and ammunition and in the manufacture of analytical reagents, antifouling paints and pesticides. Lead may cause a large variety of toxic effects, including gastrointestinal, muscular, reproductive, neurological or behavioural effects, including sleeplessness, fatigue, hearing and weight loss, and genetic malfunctions. As honey is the result of a bio-accumulative process elevated toxic element levels in honey may be the result of elevated metal contents in plant nectar. Therefore, honey is useful tool for collecting information about the environment contamination with toxic metals as lead. In literature high lead contents have been determined in honey from industrial areas with heavy industrial activities or near busy highways. One of the most common honey types used in Croatia is multifloral honey. To compare the concentrations of lead a 15 multifloral honey samples were collected during 2012 and also during 2013 in the continental regions of Croatia. Samples were produced in the area of Zagreb to Osijek-Baranja County. Honey samples were digested using microwave closed system. Concentrations of lead were measured by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometer. The limit of detection (LOD) for lead was 4.7 g/kg. Concentrations of lead were in the range (g/kg): in 2012: 10-680 ; in 2013: 10-210. The mean levels measured were (g/kg): in 2012: 103.1 ; in 2013: 31.3. Significant differences were observed, and lead levels determined in 2013 were significantly lower than those in 2012 (p  0.01). In previous study in recent years in Croatia lead levels were determined in range from 100 to 200 g/kg in 19.5% samples and exceeding the 200 g/kg in 39% samples. In this study in three samples collected in 2012 and one honey sampled in 2013 lead exceeding the 100 g/kg. According to literature data an average value of 50 g/kg for the natural background contamination of lead in honey can be expected. Therefore, the value > 100 g/kg indicate environmental pollution or migration of lead from improper drum paint containing lead or use of improper metal containers for honey or lead-bearing equipment in honey processing. The value of e.g. 680 g/kg is definitely elevated and good beekeeping and production practice should be questioned. The obtained results in 2012 and 2013 indicate a tendency to reduce the lead content in the honey. This may be an indication that the beekeepers better hold recommendation accommodation hives away from the edges of highways and towns that contribute to the accumulation of metals in honey. Also this may be an indicator of decline in industrial pro-duction, which is evident in Croatia. Obtained lead content is similar to concentrations measured from other geographical origins and neighbouring countries.

olovo; multicvijetni med; Hrvatska

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