FLUORIDE, CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN BEE HONEY AND WATER

We wished to learn whether any correlation exists between concentratio ns of calcium, phosphorus and fluoride in honey and the water used in its processing. Calcium concentrations were determined by flame (N2O/C 2H2) atomic-absorption spectrophotometry, phosphorus by flameless atom ic-absorption spectrometry and fluoride potentiometrically. Statistica l analysis revealed no direct correlation between the different elemen ts in water and honey. Furthermore, reduced variability of these three elements in honey with respect to their concentration in water was fo und. It is concluded that the elemental composition of water does not contribute substantially towards the levels of calcium, phosphorus or fluoride of honey.