Elemental Profiling of Croatian Monofloral Honeys Using ICP-OES for Authentication and Human Health Risk Assessment

Abstract

This thesis investigated the elemental composition of Croatian honey samples of different botanical origins using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The study focused on the determination of macroelements, microelements, and toxic elements in order to evaluate honey authenticity, botanical differentiation, and food safety. The results demonstrated that elemental composition is strongly influenced by floral and geographical origin, with darker honeys generally exhibiting higher mineral contents than lighter varieties. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations among several elements, supporting the use of elemental fingerprinting as a reliable tool for honey characterization and traceability. Furthermore, the chemical risk assessment confirmed that the detected concentrations of toxic elements were within safe consumption limits for all consumer groups. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of ICP-OES in honey authentication and emphasize the importance of elemental analysis in quality control and environmental monitoring.