Inorganic Characteristics of Polyfloral Honey in Plovdiv (Bulgaria)

ABSTRACT

Representative honey samples, harvest of 2009, from different places of the town of Plovdiv and its district (Bulgaria), were characterized on the basis of their physico-chemical parameters and inorganic chemical data. Water content, pH, electrical conductivity, macroelements—Ca, K, Mg, P, S and microelements—Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn were determined after the Harmonised Methods of the International Honey Commission, and ICP-AES method in a certified laboratory. The results were discussed in order to evaluate the existence of data patterns and the possibility of differentiation of Plovdiv honey samples according to their site characteristics.

Keywords:

• honey
• physico-chemical parameters
• macro- and microelements
• urban and industrial pollution