Removal of Streptomycin from Honey by Cation-exchange Resin

The presence of streptomycin (STR) in honey has potentially undesirable effects on humans. This study evaluated the effect of conventional processing on STR levels and investigated a new approach to further removing STR using various types of resins. The use of cation-exchange resin (LS-904) after conventional processing, significantly reduced STR residues, with loss rate of approximately 100%. The optimal adsorption time and temperature were 60 min and 45 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, compared with an anion-exchange resin (LS-905) or macroporous-adsorption resins (LS-200, NKA-9), LS-904 was more effective in removing STR from honey. The processed honey can be widely used as natural sweeteners.