Identification of Heavy Metal Contents (Lead and Tin) in Refined, Unrefined and Beeswax Honeys in Zanjan Province.

Abstract

Among environmental contaminants, heavy metals are the most dangerous pollutants. heavy metals are a major environmental impact. The purpose of present study was to identify Lead and Tin heavy metals in refined, unrefined and beeswax honey in Zanjan Province. In this study, 30 samples of honey were randomly collected from the honey supply at retails of Zanjan province. Determination of Lead and Tin concentrations were applied by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. According to the results, the highest concentrations of lead and tin were found (116 ppb and 221.27 ppm) in beeswax honey. The reason for the high levels of tin in honey wax is storage of honey in tinned cans. Moreover, the reason for the high contamination of lead in honey samples could be environmental contaminants caused by nearby factories in the region. Comparison of the average heavy metals honey by the standards of the WHO also indicates that lead and tin in all types of tested honey were less than the approved limit (220 ppb). Tin concentration in unrefined and refined honey was less than the standard limit; however, in beeswax honey, it was close to the standard (250 ppm). Besides, beeswax and tin had a remarkable effect on the amount of lead. It was concluded, honey at Zanjan province was wholesome based on Lead and Tin contaminants.

Keywords

• lead
• tin
• honey