Background and Objective: Heavy metal contamination in honey is a critical food safety concern due to its adverse effects on human health and its utility as an indicator of environmental quality. This study evaluated the concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in honey samples, comparing them against the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO).
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 honey samples, comprising 41 natural and 19 organic varieties, were obtained from the Iranian market. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd were determined via polarographic analysis using a 746 VA Trace Analyzer, utilizing differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Procedural blanks were processed concurrently to monitor for potential contamination, and matrix spikes were analyzed to evaluate method recovery. The resulting recoveries ranged from 96.89% to 105.10%. Notably, no certified reference material (CRM) was utilized during the analysis.
Results and Conclusion: The mean concentrations (±SD) of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd across all samples were 3.61 ±1.43, 0.296 ±0.25, 0.14 ±0.19, and 0.103 ±0.09 mg/kg, respectively. Levels of Zn and Cu were significantly below the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 5 mg/kg (P<0.001). Conversely, mean concentrations of Pb and Cd slightly exceeded the recommended threshold of 0.1 mg/kg; however, these deviations were not statistically significant (P = 0.09 and P = 0.81, respectively). Comparative analysis revealed no significant differences between natural and organic honey for any of the evaluated metals (P>0.05). Consequently, while Zn and Cu levels remain well within acceptable baselines, the elevated levels of Pb and Cd warrant continuous monitoring to safeguard consumer health and ensure product quality.