Trace element analyses of pollen, bee tissue and honey by total reflection and radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Elemental analyses of pollen, bee tissue and honey samples collected from selected areas of Kenya have been carried out using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques. The objective was to find out the distribution of the elemental concentrations in these samples. Pollen and bee tissue samples have been pelletized, while honey samples were directly analysed by the EDXRF technique. The samples have been digested and preconcentrated for TXRF analyses. Lead levels are high in the samples from the sites near major highways. In any given region, the levels of Fe, Cu and Zn are lower in refined honey samples than in the raw honey. High levels of trace elements are observed in the samples from the areas characterised by volcanic soils compared to regions of metamorphic rocks. The results obtained with the two techniques used are in close agreement with each other for most of the samples analysed. The discrepancy observed with Br is due to loss during sample preparation.