INVESTIGATION OF SOME HONEY TYPES (CHASTEBERRY, CHESTNUT, LAVENDER, JERUSALEM THORN, ACACIA AND SUNFLOWER) FOR HEAVY METAL POLLUTION FROM SETTLEMENTS AND HIGHWAYS

In the research, heavy metal contents (Al, As, Pb and Cd) of 6 honey samples obtained from Marmara and Aegean regions of Turkey (chasteus, chestnut, jerusalem torn and flower honeys) and 4 honey samples obtained from Bulgaria (lavender, acacia and flower honeys) with micro and macro element contents including Ba, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg, P, B, Na, K, Sr, S and Ca were analyzed by ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectrometer). It was determined that the heavy metal levels (Al, As, Cd and Pb) in the investigated honey samples were below the toxic limit values specified in WHO and Turkish Food Codex. In general, the mineral contents of honey samples vary according to the regions where they were taken. Among the honey samples taken from different regions; the contents of Pb, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Ba, Sr, Zn, B, Ca, K, Na, P and S changed at 1% significance level, while Mn, Ni and Fe contents differ at 5% level of significance. As the apiaries in where the honey samples were taken get closer to the urban areas, Pb by 1%, As and Co contents by 5% level of significance increased.