Abstract

The ecological assessment of honey was undertaken by determining some physico-chemical parameters of honey from six different locations in Southwest Nigeria. Among the groups of honey, there were no statistically significant differences in colour, pH, refractive index, electrical conductivity and insoluble matters. The mean contents of risk elements, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni and Mn were far below the allowable limits and showed no significant differences in individual groups of honey. The pH of the honey sample range from 4.01 to 5.10 with a least mean of 4.02 ± 0 from Ondo State. The mean highest electrical conductivity was 180. 7I±0.01 with a range of 145.52 to 180.72. The mean highest refractive index was 1.460 ± 0.03 from Osun State, with a range of 1.442 to 1.475. Differences were not found in moisture content and insoluble matter. The average color and conductivity varied in individual groups of honey; however, these differences were not statistically conclusive. However, the content of Cu (32.73 ± 5.75) and Fe (43.20 ± 11.00) differ significantly (P < 0.05) in individual groups. The results of this study suggest that pollution may contaminate honey in several ways. There are potential prophylactic uses of honey. Unscreened and direct use of honey may therefore be of concern as it could serve as a potential source of pollutant–induced harm.

Key words: Honey, heavy metals, bioaccumulation, pollution, environmental induced harm.