A comparison of the antioxidant activities and biomonitoring of heavy metals by pollen in the urban environments

Abstract

Pollen is one of the most valuable nutrients due to its content and antioxidant activity. In this study, its botanic origin, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA) (in terms of SC), ferric reducing antioxidant power capacity (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (in terms of SC), metal-chelating activity (MCA) (%), and heavy metal content were examined to determine the quality of pollen that has been collected from seven different cities of Turkey. According to the melissopalynological analysis, the botanic origin of samples is six uni-flora and one multiflora. The TPC, TFC, HPSA, FRAP, DPPH, and MCA were found between 1360.70-2981.34 mg GAE/100 g, 74.23-111.74 mg CAE/100 g, 25.56-30.28 μg/mL, 71.92-73.86%, 52.26-53.27 μg/mL, and 43.97-65.21%, respectively. When obtained results compared to the standards (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and α-Tocopherol (TOC)), pollen samples showed the effective antioxidant properties with respect to HPSA, FRAP, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. In addition, it was observed that honey samples were being contaminated with most of the metals to some extent (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, B, As, Te, U), while some heavy metals (Co, Cd, V, Ga, and Ag) were never determined in all samples. However, Pb was determined only in sample 2 and sample 4, Mo in sample 1 and sample 2. According to meteorological parameters, samples 3, 4, and 5 were distinguished from the other samples. Finally, the data indicate that pollen could be affected by environmental pollutions.

Determination of Several Bitlis Honeys based on their Botanic and Biochemical Profiles

“…determined TFC of Ordu honeys as 1.65 -38.75 mg CAE/100g [2]. found TFC of honey samples between 5.5 -8.3 mg CAE/100 g [38]. The TPC and TFC values obtained from our honey samples are compatible with the total phenolic and flavonoid substance contents of the honey samples studied in the literature.…”

“…determined TFC of Ordu honeys as 1.65 -38.75 mg CAE/100g [2]. found TFC of honey samples between 5.5 -8.3 mg CAE/100 g [38]. As a result of the pollen analysis of honey samples, it was determined that Fabacae and Asteraceae families in the region are important food for bees.…”

Multielemental Analysis of Bee Pollen, Propolis, and Royal Jelly Collected in West-Central Poland

“…Levels of 24 chemical elements were determined in all samples of bee products. We measured one of the broadest spectra of chemical elements (including micro- and macronutrients, heavy metals, and trace elements) in bee products compared to the available literature [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. In this study, we examined various beehive matrices (bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) collected over two years from the same area.…”

“…In this study, we examined various beehive matrices (bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly) collected over two years from the same area. The majority of studies on the determination of elements (mainly heavy metals) in bee products included one selected product collected from different locations [ 31 , 39 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. The analysis of different beehive products derived from the same area allowed us to compare the levels of inorganic contaminants between them and evaluate their role as bioindicators.…”

“…Several reports presenting the elemental content in bee products collected in different regions of Earth can be found in the available literature. Temizer et al [ 39 ] analyzed 20 elements in bee pollen collected in Turkey. In the study, the authors found the highest level of Fe in all pollen samples.…”