Advances in the Elemental Composition Analysis of Propolis Samples from Different Regions of Turkey by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

MUTLU C., ÖZER ATAKOĞLU Ö., ERBAŞ M., YALÇIN M. G.

BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH, vol.201, no.1, pp.435-443, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 201 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12011-022-03152-3
  • Journal Name: BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.435-443
  • Keywords: Propolis, Anatolia, Elements, Heavy metals, XRF, HEAVY-METAL CONTAMINATION, HONEY
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the elemental composition of 47 propolis samples collected from different regions of Turkey by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. According to the results, the most abundant elements in propolis samples were the Ca, K, and Si with the mean values as 1556, 1383, and 731 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, there were high degrees of positive and strong correlations of Al with S (0.925) and Fe (0.926) and Ca with Mg (0.970). According to cluster analysis results, the Aegean, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions showed strong similarities, whereas Southeastern Anatolia propolis samples were remarkably different. The elements considered as toxic for human and environmental health such as Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and W were at the trace amounts as <10 mg/kg. When assuming 1 g raw propolis is consumed daily by a 60-kg adult, the analyzed propolis samples were not a source carrying the negative effects of these elements. However, they could be an indicator of environmental pollution.