Determination of some metals in honey samples for monitoring environmental pollution

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was applied for the determination of trace metals (Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) in honey samples. Ca, Mg and Na, K were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and flame photometry, respectively. Two different digestion methods (dry ashing and wet ashing) were used. Different matrix modifiers were used for the stabilization of the analyte. The proposed method showed satisfactory recovery, detection limits and standard deviations for trace metals in honey, which can be used for monitoring environmental pollution with respect to trace metals.