Global assessment of Algerian honeys quality by palynological, physicochemical analyses, trace elements and potentially toxic elements screenin

Abstract

The quality of twenty Algerian honeys was assessed based on their palynological and physicochemical properties, and their trace and toxic elements composition. A qualitative pollen analysis was conducted to estimate the botanical origin. The physicochemical analyses included moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), colour, and the content of 3 sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose). The analysis of mineral and heavy metals included Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and As. The pollen spectrum showed a great diversity with 60 taxa identified. The palynological analyses revealed the presence of 15 honeys with pollen dominance (unifloral): Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., Sinapis arvensis L., Dorycnium sp., Bupleurum sp., Echium sp., Lotus sp., and 5 honeys without pollen dominance (polyfloral). The physicochemical results showed that the samples conform to international quality standards, with few exceptions related to HMF, mainly due to beekeeping practices. The colour was from water white to dark amber. Pb and Cd concentrations were found to be below the maximum residue limits set by the European Directive with which the toxic elements were compared. These results would contribute to the assessment of Algerian honey and provide a database for the regulation of honey trade and consumer protection.

Keywords

• honey
• Algeria
• mellisopalynology
• quality
• toxic elements