Characterization of Italian multifloral honeys on the basis of their mineral content and some typical quality parameters
The levels of 30 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si,
Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn) and some typical quality parameters were measured in 40 honey samples from the Lazio
region (Italy). The main purpose of this study was to enhance the information variety. The mean values for the
quality parameters were: pH, 4.0; sugar, 80.9 °brix; moisture, 17.4%; electrical conductivity 0.63 mS cm-1. Mineral
elements were quantified by ICP-OES and ICP-MS and compared with literature data. The most abundant
minerals decreased in the following order (mean - μg g-1): K: 1450 > S: 107 > Ca: 86 > P: 75 > Na: 45 >
Mg: 34. Chemometrics was applied in order to detect significant differences among the five provinces of honeys
production. Overall, several elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V, Zn), sugar and moisture did
not discriminate the Lazio provinces. This strongly agrees with our previous findings that honey is not a reliable
biomonitor of environmental contamination. There are no evident signs of pollution for the Lazio honeys confirming
their good quality and safety.