The content and health risk assessment of selected elements in bee pollen and propolis from Turkey

Abstract This study aimed to determine the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, V, and Zn, in pollen and propolis samples collected from migratory beekeeping areas in Turkey. A health risk assessment was performed to identify the potential risk of these PTEs to consumers in terms of public health. Concentrations of the elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The most abundant element in the bee pollen and propolis samples was Fe, with average concentrations of 47.3 and 390 mg kg−1, respectively, followed by Al, Zn, Mn and Sn. Concentrations of all elements except Cu, Mn and Sn were higher in propolis than in pollen. The concentrations of Fe, Al, and Zn in the propolis samples were over eight, seven, and two times higher than in the bee pollen samples, respectively. Se, Cd, and Hg in pollen and Se and Cd in propolis were below the detection limits. Pb, Co, and Cr were detected below 0.62, 0.06, and 0.91 mg kg−1, in pollen samples, respectively. Co and Hg were detected below 0.68, and 0.18 mg kg−1, in propolis samples, respectively. Detection of the PTEs contamination level and assessment of the health risks in pollen and propolis is necessary to ascertain quality and safety before consumption. In this study, we concluded that bee pollen and propolis may be good indicators for the screening of environmental pollution with PTEs and standards regulating acceptable concentrations of these pollutants in bee products should be established. In addition, it has been determined that consumption at the specified rates does not pose a risk. This study suggests the determination of admissible concentrations of PTEs in bee pollen and propolis.