Distribution of elements in honeys and effect of a thermoelectric power plant on the element contents

Lead, cadmium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium and potassium contents of Turkish honeys were investigated. Most of the elements were more abundant in honeydew honeys than in flower honeys. But calcium content of honeydew honeys was smaller than in flower honeys. Considerable temporal fluctuation of elements was observed in honeydew honeys produced in the same area and from the same hives during autumn 1992, 1993 and 1994. Element contents of Turkish honeys showed high coefficients of variation, and the coefficients of variation decreased with increasing amounts of total minerals in honeys. The thermoelectric power plant which was 15–18 km away from the hives did not cause any pollution in honeys. Turkish honeys did not show any contamination of lead, cadmium, iron or zinc, and amounts of these elements were found well below the permitted limits.