Assessment of trace element levels in Rhododendron honeys of Black Sea Region, Turkey

Rhododendron and multi-flower honeys obtained from Black Sea Region of Turkey (12 Rhododendron and 8 multi-flower honeys) were studied to determine the presence of the 14 trace elements such as Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Se, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Ca and Mg. Trace element determination was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion. The results revealed that Rhododendron honeys exhibited higher concentrations of Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Se, Zn, Ca and Mg but lower concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe and K than in the multi-flower honeys. Trace element levels in analyzed honey samples were generally lower than literature values.