Preparative methods for quantification of inorganic constituents in honey by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) using microwave assisted digestion and ultrasonication procedures were developed. Analytical aspects such as matrix complexity, instrumental optimization and the essentiality/toxicity of the species K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, Cd were considered. Parameters such as plasma power, nebulizer flow rate, torch configuration and the convenience of the use of yttrium as internal standard were evaluated. Recoveries between 93 and 107% (microwave digestion) and between 90 to 110% (ultrasonication procedure) and relative standard deviations lower than 10% were obtained. Samples of Brazilian honeys, from different parts of the country, were analysed and the results obtained provide relevant information about their mineral content.
inorganic constituents; honey; ultrasonication; microwave digestion; ICP OES
