Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Study of physicochemical quality and organic contamination in Algerian honeys

Sofiane Derrar
,
Vincenzo Lo Turco
ORCID logo ,
Ambrogina Albergamo
* ,
Benedetta Sgrò
* ORCID logo ,
Mohamed Amine Ayad
ORCID logo ,
Federica Litrenta
,
Mohamed Said Saim
,
Angela Giorgia Potortì
,
Hebib Aggad
,
Rossana Rando
,
Giuseppa Di Bella
ORCID logo
Version 1 : Received: 29 March 2024 / Approved: 29 March 2024 / Online: 1 April 2024 (10:17:24 CEST)

How to cite: Derrar, S.; Lo Turco, V.; Albergamo, A.; Sgrò, B.; Ayad, M.A.; Litrenta, F.; Saim, M.S.; Potortì, A.G.; Aggad, H.; Rando, R.; Bella, G.D. Study of physicochemical quality and organic contamination in Algerian honeys. Preprints 2024, 2024031882. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.1882.v1 Derrar, S.; Lo Turco, V.; Albergamo, A.; Sgrò, B.; Ayad, M.A.; Litrenta, F.; Saim, M.S.; Potortì, A.G.; Aggad, H.; Rando, R.; Bella, G.D. Study of physicochemical quality and organic contamination in Algerian honeys. Preprints 2024, 2024031882. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.1882.v1

Abstract

Honey is a sweet substance extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honeys from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of honey and the safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (matalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honeys show traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, the dietary exposure assessment shows that a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonizing with the international legislation.

Keywords

Algerian honey; beekeeping; physicochemical parameters; organic contamination; pesticides; PAHs; PCBs; plasticizers; persistent organic pollutants

Subject

Chemistry and Materials Science, Food Chemistry

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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