Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 34, Number 2, March-April 2003
Page(s) 181 - 188
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2003001
Apidologie 34 (2003) 181-188
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2003001

Determination of oxalic acid and other organic acids in honey and in some anatomic structures of bees

María Jesús Nozala, José Luis Bernala, Luis Antonio Gómeza, Mariano Higesb and Aranzazu Meanac

a  Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
b  Centro Apícola Regional Junta de Comunidades de Castilla La Mancha, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
c  Departamento de Patología Animal I (Sanidad Animal), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain

(Received 11 January 2002; revised 7 August 2002; accepted 7 October 2002)

Abstract
The use of two ion-exclusion columns coupled in series allows the liquid chromatographic determination of the oxalic acid content in honey and in some anatomic structures of bees, and avoids interference from other components of the matrix. To obtain a profile of organic acids, it is advisable to couple of four columns in series. The oxalic acid concentration in the rectum, Malpighian tubules, digestive tract and haemolymph is strongly influenced by the application mode (topical or oral). Results obtained demonstrate that in topical administration oxalic acid penetrates through the keratin.


Key words: ion exclusion chromatography / oxalic acid / organic acids / honey / honeybee

Correspondence and reprints: María Jesús Nozal
    e-mail: mjdnozal@qa.uva.es

© INRA, EDP Sciences, DIB, AGIB 2003