Characterization of honey based on its purity by using ICP-MS and XRD

Abstract

Honey, characterized as a complex combination of sugars and minor compounds, necessitates careful analysis of its metal content for effective quality management. Elements comprising the chemical composition of honey, although in trace amounts, pose potential harm to humans in elevated concentrations. Therefore, elemental content analysis is essential for ensuring both the safety and quality of honey, as well as monitoring environmental pollutants. This study utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to distinguish disparities between pure and adulterated honey. The concentrations of trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Ag, Tl, and Zn) in blossom honey, acacia honey, forest honey, irradiated pure honey, and unprocessed pure honey, were determined through ICP-MS post microwave digestion. The accuracy of the method was assessed by analyzing a blank solution, known concentrations of standard metals, and evaluating recovery. The findings indicated trace metal levels in honey samples, exhibiting significant but variable results influenced by the state of the samples and the capabilities of the employed instruments.It is crucial to note that pure samples in this investigation exhibited inherent variations and distinctive characteristics. Similarly, their adulterated counterparts showcase diverse features, underscoring differences in instrument capabilities, which, in turn, hindered the detection of all potential adulteration traces. The geographical origin of honey emerged as a paramount factor influencing detection outcomes. ICP-MS provided qualitative concentrations (parts per billion) and intensities (counts per second), while XRD revealed qualitative attributes such as peak positions (02θ), heights (counts), full width at half maximum (FWHM, 02θ), interatomic peak d-spacing (Å) of diffracted peaks, and relative intensities (%) of the peaks.