Application of ICP-MS method of determination of 15 elements in honey with chemometric approach for the verification of their authenticity

In this study the mineral content of 140 honey samples, which represent three different types of honey, namely: honeydew, buckwheat and rape honey from 16 areas of Poland, were evaluated. The method is described for determination of 15 elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in honey from Poland using ICP-MS. The data were subjected to chemometric assessment to understand the association between the elements and classify honey samples. Mainly supervised pattern recognition techniques, such as LDA and C&RT were performed for the whole data set in order to discriminate and classify honey samples according to their origin and detect corresponding markers. Analyzes revealed an excellent separation between honey samples according to their type with the efficiency of LDA model as 100%. On the other hand, a variable classification for rape, buckwheat and honeydew honeys in regards to their geographical origin could be achieved.

► Applying LDA and C&RT methods to classify honey samples. ► The relationship between the elements distribution and honey geographical origin. ► K and Mn as markers of Polish honey botanical origin. ► Al, Mg and Zn connected with geographical origin of Polish honey. ► 100% classification of honey samples according botanical origin.