Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern

Abstract

The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.

Multi-Element Profile Characterization of Monofloral and Polyfloral Honey from Latvia

“…• is higher than reports of Ethiopian [54] and Serbian honey [21]; • could be considered the same-but with higher means-as Estonian [55], Yemenian [56], Moroccan [57], Argentinian [58], Brazilian, and Portuguese honey [59]; • could be considered the same-but with lower means-as Polish [60][61][62], Slovenian flower [63], Hungarian linden [64], Romanian linden [65], Bulgarian linden [66], Italian [67], Malaysian [68], and New Zealand honey [69];…”

“…• could be considered the same-but with higher means-as Estonian [55], Yemenian [56], Moroccan [57], Argentinian [58], Brazilian, and Portuguese honey [59];…”

Study of Physicochemical Quality and Organic Contamination in Algerian Honey

“…The method adopted for the extraction of pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs from honey samples, as previously validated by Massous et al [28], is explained below. Briefly, 10 g of each honey sample was measured into a centrifuge tube, dissolved with 10 mL of pure water and 10 mL of acetonitrile, and then vortexed for 5 min.…”

“…The identification of pesticides, PAHs, and PCBs was carried out by comparing their mass spectra and retention times to those of corresponding commercially available standards. The Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode was used for the quantification of analytes, exploiting the IS normalisation, according to our previous study [28]. The MRM transitions, as well as the analytical method validation, are reported in Table S1.…”

“…The extraction method of plasticiser residues from honey samples as reported in Massous et al [28] was adopted in the present work. Quickly, 5 g of each honey sample was measured in a centrifuge tube; dissolved with 10 mL of acetonitrile; combined with Q-sep QuEChERS (4 g MgSO 4 + 1 g NaCl), as described in Section 2.2; and centrifuged for 10 min at 8000 rpm.…”