Physicochemical Properties and Trace Metal Contents of Honey in Lowlands of Eastern Hararge, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was aimed at characterizing natural hone produced in different lowlands of Eastern Hararge, Ethiopia. Standard methods were employed to study the physicochemical properties and trace metal contents of the selected samples. The results showed that the content of moisture, electrical conductivity, pH, free acid value and total acid value were ranged from 9.07-19.32%, 0.32-0.75 mS/cm, 3.48-4.25, 25.83-64.17 meq/kg and 28.25-66.5 meq/kg respectively. These results showed similarity with national and international reports. The contents of Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni and Cr were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. As to the determination results, the concentrations of the elements were found to be ND - 6.04 mg/kg, ND - 1.01 mg/kg, ND - 0.44 mg/kg, ND - 0.45 mg/kg, ND - 0.28 mg/kg, ND - 0.25 mg/kg, ND - 0.15 mg/kg, ND and ND respectively. These results vividly revealed the amounts of metals in safety baseline levels for human consumption.