Chemical/Physical Characterization of Nigerian Honey

F.M. Adebiyi, I. Akpan, E.I. Obiajunwa and H.B. Olaniyi

The TXRF and infrared spectrophotometer techniques were used for the characterization of Nigerian honey. The elemental concentrations and the functional groups present in Nigerian honey samples from five locations in the Southwest and Southeast of Nigeria were determined. Twelve elements - K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Rb - were detected. The honey samples were quite rich in minerals. Potassium was the most abundant trace element in the honey (range 1100 - 2700 ppm) followed by Ca (range 152 - 362 ppm) and Fe range 136 - 407 ppm). There were no significant differences in the elemental contents of honey from the different locations. The infrared spectrophotometer results showed the honey sample to be a mixture of many compounds including carboxylic acids, aldehydes, alkynes, nitrites, alkynes an ethers. Other physical properties - colour, pH, refractive index, moisture and ash contents - were also determined.