Levels of heavy metals and physicochemical properties of honey from four selected areas of Ethiopia

In this work, the qualities of honey samples were evaluated by assessment of some physicochemical parameters and levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu). The honey samples were collected from the major producing regions of Ethiopia; Gojjam, Gondar, Jimma and Tigray. The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the samples were determined using digital pH-meter and conductivity meter, respectively. The metal contents were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The validity of the method employed was evaluated by spiking experiments with recoveries ranging from 90.0 to 95.8%. The FAAS results show higher concentration of Cu and Zn compared to other metals. The amount of Cu and Zn were in the range 6.2–18 μg/g and 4.2–10 μg/g. The heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni) were below detection limit in all the honey samples. Moreover, the result obtained regarding the physicochemical properties showed that the pH of all the honey samples were acidic (pH of 3.84–4.00), the EC 0.09–0.34 mScm-1 and the ash content 0.13–0.33%. The results obtained were in agreement with European standard and Codex Alimentarius, indicating the honey samples studied are of good quality and suitable for human consumption. KEY WORDS: Honey, Heavy metals, Physicochemical properties, FAAS, Ethiopia Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1521-1531. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.2