Elemental profiling by ICP-MS as a tool for geographical discrimination: The case of bracatinga honeydew honey

Geographic origin discrimination is a topic of interest for both consumers and producers since the honey prices vary accordingly. The aim of the study was to establish the elemental profiling and geographical discrimination of bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) honeydew honey samples exclusively produced in three regions in Brazil, i.e., Santa Catarina, Parana, and Rio Grande do Sul. Thirty-nine elements, including 14 rare earth elements, were analyzed using ICP-MS. The major rare earth elements were Eu > Nd > Ce > La > Sm, while Mg > Rb > Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu were the major multielements. The concentrations of the 39 elements analyzed were different (p < 0.05) among all the bracatinga honeydew honey samples. Cluster analysis (CA), principal components analysis (PCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used for geographical origin discrimination. The CA showed that multielements concentration was more effective than rare earth elements to cluster the samples. Furthermore, LDA provided a 91.3 % correct classification of the bracatinga honeydew honey samples according to their location. Finally, PCA highlighted the Rb and Co concentrations as the most responsible for the classification of the analyzed honey samples according to their geographic origin. The elemental profile could be used to discriminate honey samples produced in the mentioned Brazil areas. These results will contribute to the designation of the origin of bracatinga honeydew honey, which will strengthen the market and consumer safety.

Automated summary

Geographic origin discrimination of bracatinga honeydew honey samples from three regions in Brazil was successfully achieved through the analysis of multielements concentrations, where Rb and Co concentrations were found to be the most influential factors in classifying the honey samples according to their geographic origin.