Determination of honey geographic origin according to its elemental composition by the method of x-ray fluorescence

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine features of the elemental composition of polyfloral honey from the Odessa region (Ukraine) by the method of x-ray fluorescence for using these features in the geographic marking of the region of honey origin. A choice of honey from the Odessa region is explained by its relatively good ecology, optimal maritime climate and enough motley grass resources for gathering nectar by bees. At the same time the Odessa region occupies the fourth place among regions – honey producers in Ukraine with a right to export honey beyond the country with specific weight 10 % from the total export of this product. 11 samples of fresh honey and 14 samples of honey, stored during one year were studied as to the content of 22 mineral elements. The elemental analysis of honey was realized on the energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescent spectrometer ElvaX Light SDD. Each sample was studied for 5 times. The obtained results were statistically processed by the standard methodology. The determination distinctness of mass shares of metals is no worse than 0,1 %. Limits of finding admixtures of heavy metals in the light matrix are no worse than 1 ppm. The studies were realized during 2016–2017. It has been established, that lyophilization of honey doesn’t essentially influence determination parameters of the elemental composition of honey by the method of x-ray fluorescence. The analysis of energy-dispersive spectrums of mineral elements determined that marker elements for honey from the Odessa region are Cl, K, Ca, that prevail among other studied mineral elements. There has been established the typical intensity of a signal of energy-dispersive spectrums for Cl, K, Ca of honey from the Odessa region that correspond to the following values: for fresh honey Cl from 27075 to 29429; K from 47 296 to 41 546; Ca from 7572 to 6928; for honey, stored during one year: Cl from 40383 to 37044; K from 43 589 to 42 591; Ca from 15495 to 10006. These parametersmay serve as markers for honey from the Odessa region. At the same time the obtained results may be used for controlling the quality of natural honey by its element composition for identifying a geographic place of origin.