Ultrasonic for Reducing Tetracycline Residues in Acacia Honey and Its Impact on Physicochemical Properties

Abstract

This study examines ultrasonic treatment as an approach to reduce tetracycline and oxytetracycline residues in Acacia honey and its effects on physicochemical properties. An experimental laboratory-based study using a completely randomized design. The study was conducted at the Animal Product Quality Testing and Certification Center (BPMSPH) Laboratory, Bogor City, Indonesia, between October and December 2025. Acacia honey samples artificially contaminated with tetracycline and oxytetracycline were subjected to ultrasonic treatment at a frequency of 40 kHz for 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Antibiotic residues were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Physicochemical parameters including moisture and ash content, water insoluble solids, acidity, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) content, and diastase enzyme activity were analyzed using standard analytical methods. Measurements were repeated three times, and the data were subjected to analysis of variance with a significance threshold of P < .05. Ultrasonic treatment reduced tetracycline residues highly significantly (P< .01) and oxytetracycline residues significantly (.01< P < .05), with an optimum treatment duration of 10 minutes. Moisture content, ash content, HMF content, free acidity, reducing sugars, and sucrose were not significantly affected (P > .05), indicating preservation of the main physicochemical characteristics. Water insoluble solids decreased, and diastase enzyme activity remained within acceptable standard limits. Ultrasonic treatment effectively reduced tetracycline and oxytetracycline residues in Acacia honey while maintaining physicochemical quality. Optimization of treatment duration is required to preserve functional properties.