Browsing by Author "Soares, Diana Isabel Ferreira"
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- Mel do Parque Natural do Montesinho: Caracterização e avaliação da contaminação em hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicosPublication . Soares, Diana Isabel Ferreira; Ferreira, Maria João Dantas RamalhosaHoney is a prized and nutritionally rich natural product with numerous health advantages, driving high demand consumers. However, it faces significant challenges arising from climate change, environmental hazards, and quality concerns. In response, efforts are being undertaken by authorities, beekeepers, and researchers to confront these issues and safeguard the authenticity, quality, and sustainability of honey production. Aiming to study honey as a potential bioindicator for environmental quality, this work was conducted as part of the Honey+ project, led by a multidisciplinary team that seeks to enhance the value of honey produced in the Natural Park of Montesinho (NPM). Specifically, this dissertation seeks to characterize honey produced in NPM and evaluate the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a ubiquitous class of environmental pollutants, on honey’s quality. A total of 22 honey samples, 9 from NPM, were collected and a comprehensive set of physicochemical analyses was conducted, namely moisture and ash content, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), color, electrical conductivity, pH, and diastase activity. Furthermore, the protein and mineral content of the honey samples was also determined. Some of these parameters must adhere to specified quantification limits for honey to be considered safe for consumption. According to the results of the quality study performed, the NPM honey samples generally have lower moisture and free acidity levels and presented higher ash content and diastase activity compared to honey samples collected from different regions of Portugal. From this characterization, it was concluded that all samples meet all parameters within legal limits. In what concern to ash content, honey samples from NPM exceed the maximum expected according to literature which could signify the presence of high levels of minerals in the honey composition. The mineral analysis allowed us to conclude that honey from NPM contains high amounts of manganese, cadmium, magnesium, and rubidium. The research also included the analysis of the total content of PAHs in honey samples produced in NPM, as well as in some honeycombs from which the honey samples were extracted. Additionally, honey samples collected from producers of other Portuguese regions were used for comparison. It was concluded that samples H2 and H5 had benz(a)anthracene, which is the legislated PAH for some foods. It is known that the origin of PAHs could be attributed to traffic pollution and/or proximity to agricultural fields. It is advisable to conduct additional PAH analyses on various types of honey, including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) honeys. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the connection between environmental quality and honey quality. Furthermore, it is recommended to expand research efforts to encompass the analysis of vegetation, air, and water within the NPM to pinpoint the sources of PAHs. These investigations are aimed at unveiling the intricate relationships between environmental quality, local flora and fauna, and regional food products, thereby contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and ensuring food safety. Insights into the origins of PAHs can also aid in the development of mitigation strategies, ultimately guaranteeing the safety and quality of products originating from the NPM.