Unravelling Heavy Metal Dynamics in Soil and Honey: A Case Study from Maramureș Region, Romania

Abstract

The study examined soil and honey samples from the Maramureș region, assessing potentially toxic elements and their concentrations. The highest concentrations were found for (Cu), (Zn), (Pb), (Cr), (Ni), (Cd), (Co), and (As), while (Hg) remained below the detection limit. Samples near anthropogenic sources displayed elevated metal levels, with the Aurul settling pond and Herja mine being major contamination sources. Copper concentrations exceeded the legal limits in areas near these sources. Zinc concentrations were highest near mining areas, and Pb and Cd levels surpassed the legal limits near beehives producing acacia honey. Nickel and Co levels were generally within limits but elevated near the Herja mine. The study highlighted the role of anthropogenic activities in heavy metal pollution. In the second part, honey samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, with variations across types and locations. Positive correlations were identified between certain elements in honey, influenced by factors like location and pollution sources. The research emphasized the need for pollution control measures to ensure honey safety. The bioaccumulation factor analysis indicated a sequential metal transfer from soil to honey. The study’s comprehensive approach sheds light on toxic element contamination in honey, addressing pollution sources and pathways.

Evaluation of the Main Macro-, Micro- and Trace Elements Found in Fallopia japonica Plants and Their Traceability in Its Honey: A Case Study from the Northwestern and Western Part of Romania

“…Generally, the dynamics of diverse elements, particularly heavy metals, are calculated between soil and plants [50,92], soil and honey [93] or plants (inflorescence) and honey [94,95]. Moreover, taking into consideration that the research carried out before on soils near some of our investigation areas [48,50,51,93] confirmed the presence of toxic elements and the transfer of these elements into plants, the objective of our study was to assess to what degree the main nutrients as well as toxic elements are transferred from plant to honey, specifically FJ plant and honey.…”

“…This is primarily attributed to extensive anthropogenic activities, such as mining operations, involving the extraction of valuable metals and the processing of ores containing harmful substances such as Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn (the well- The northwestern region of Romania, in general, is renowned not only for its abundant underground mineral resources but also for being one of the country's most environmentally compromised areas, especially the Baia Mare depression and surroundings (Maramures , and Satu Mare county). This is primarily attributed to extensive anthropogenic activities, such as mining operations, involving the extraction of valuable metals and the processing of ores containing harmful substances such as Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn (the wellknown industrial platforms of Romplumb and Cuprom are examples in this case) [50,93,98].…”

Comprehensive Elemental Profiling of Romanian Honey: Exploring Regional Variance, Honey Types, and Analyzed Metals for Sustainable Apicultural and Environmental Practices

“…Honey samples were gently stirred while being warmed in the water bath to ensure even distribution (homogeneity) throughout the sample. Since honey dissolves readily in water, and metals can be directly measured in liquid solutions, honey samples are typically dissolved in water or a weak acid solution before analysis [16,48]. Following the initial sample preparation (involving ashing or digestion), the remaining residues are redissolved in either an acidic solution or ultrapure water.…”

“…Following the initial sample preparation (involving ashing or digestion), the remaining residues are redissolved in either an acidic solution or ultrapure water. This step helps extract the metal components by breaking down the honey's organic structure and allowing the metals to transfer more efficiently into the solution for analysis [48]. To ensure consistent analysis, all honey samples were homogenized.…”

“…To prepare for analysis, each honey sample (1 g) was dissolved in 20 mL of high-purity deionized water (specific resistivity: 18.2 MΩ × cm −1 ) using the Milli-Q Integral Ultrapure Water-Type 1 system. The solution was then heated to 65 • C to facilitate complete dissolution [48].…”