Toxicological Assessment of Algerian Honeys: Heavy Metal Contamination as an Indicator of Environmental and Public Health Risks

Honey is widely recognised not only for its nutritional and therapeutic properties but also as a natural bioindicator of environmental pollution due to its botanical and geographical origin. In this preliminary study, we assessed the presence of toxic elements in fourteen unifloral and multifloral honeys collected from different regions of northern Algeria, with the aim of evaluating potential public health risks and levels of environmental contamination. The concentrations of selected heavy metals—copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)—were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), depending on the element. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore regional variability and identify potential sources of contamination. The results revealed a wide range of concentrations, namely Cu (0.133–1.975 µg/kg), Fe (1.11–28.04 mg/kg), Zn (4.40–26.30 mg/kg), Cd (1.119–39.521 µg/kg), and Pb (11.515–77.216 µg/kg). Several samples exceeded internationally recommended safety limits for levels of heavy metals such as Cd and Pb, raising concerns regarding long-term dietary exposure. Significant geographical differences were observed, suggesting the influence of local environmental factors and anthropogenic activities. These findings highlight the importance of routine heavy metal monitoring in honey and support its application in environmental surveillance and food safety risk management.