![]() The exact composition of honey is complex and dependent on the geographic location, botanical source(s), season, storage and processing conditions. Honey and other bee products are widely consumed as food with unique nutritional and medicinal properties, but contamination by anthropogenic activities may bring health hazards from pesticide, antibiotic, heavy metal and microbial contamination. The study revealed that the Queensland/Australian honey studied is a good source of K and Zn and would constitute a good nutritional source of these elements. Toxic heavy metals were detected at relatively low levels in honey products. For rural and peri-urban honeys, the only significant difference ( p < 0.05) was for Na. Peri-urban versus urban honeys showed significant differences in P, K and Mn. Significant differences ( p < 0.05) were also found between blend and urban honey samples for K, Cu, P, Mn, Sr, Ni, B and Na. There were significant differences ( p < 0.05) between urban and rural honey samples for B, Na, P, Mn, K, Ca and Cu. Considerable variations of essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn) and mineral levels (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P) were found in honeys surveyed. ![]() Elemental analyses of honey were performed using ICP-MS and ICP-OES after microwave and hot block digestion. The honey samples were classified into four groups according to their regional sources: urban, rural, peri-urban and blend honey. Honey samples (n = 212) were acquired from markets, shops and supermarkets in Queensland while urban honeys were purchased online. This study aimed to determine the levels of 26 minerals and trace elements and assess elemental differences between honeys from various regional Queensland and Australian sources. Honey hives are traditionally placed in rural and forested areas, but increasingly the trend is to keep hives in more urban areas. In higher density urban and industrial environments, heavy metals can be common, while minerals and trace elements can have ubiquitous presence in both agricultural and urban areas. Honeybees are regarded as environmental monitors, but few reports examine the impact of environment on Australian honey trace elements and minerals. ![]() Certain honeys are retailed as premium, trendy products. Naturally produced by honeybees ( Apis mellifera) from floral nectar, honey is increasingly sold as a health food product due to its nutritious features. Honey is an extensively utilized sweetener containing sugars and water, together with small quantities of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and proteins. For rural and peri-urban honeys, the only significant difference (p < 0.05) was for Na. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also found between blend and urban honey samples for K, Cu, P, Mn, Sr, Ni, B and Na. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between urban and rural honey samples for B, Na, P, Mn, K, Ca and Cu. ![]() Naturally produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from floral nectar, honey is increasingly sold as a health food product due to its nutritious features.
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