Ionic profile of honey as a potential indicator of botanical origin and global environmental pollution

Aim of this study was to determine by Ion Chromatography ions (Na, Ca, Mg, NH4 , Cl , Br , SO4, NO3,PO4)in honeys (honeydew and floral nectar honeys) from different Italian Regions and from countries of theWestern Balkan area. The compositional data were processed by multivariate analysis (PCA and HCA). Arboreal honeydew honeys from theWestern Balkans had higher concentrations (from two to three times) of some environmental pollutants (Br , SO4 and PO4 contents), due to industrial and agricultural activities, than those from Italian regions. The cationic profiles were very similar in both groups. Multivariate analysis indicated a clear difference between nectar honeys and arboreal/honeydew honeys (recognition of the botanical origin). These findings point to the potential of ionic constituents of honey as indicators of environmental pollution, botanical origin and authenticity.