We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterization of Microplastics in Bees and Their Bee Products in Urban and Rural Areas of the Sabana De Bogotá, Colombia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated microplastic contamination in Apis mellifera bees, pollen, and honey collected from urban and rural sites in the Bogota savanna of Colombia in 2021 and 2023, using stereomicroscopy with and without hydrogen peroxide digestion. Microplastics were found in all sample types and locations in both years, with blue fibers as the dominant form and a measurable increase in quantities from 2021 to 2023 indicating worsening environmental contamination.
Microplastics, plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm present in the environment due to the decomposition of larger plastics, can cause damage to various ecosystems and species of pollinating insects such as Apis mellifera bees. These bees play a crucial role in the ecology and production of honey and pollen, also serving as bioindicators of environmental quality as they are sensitive to contaminants such as microplastics. In this study, the presence of microplastics in these insects and their bee products, pollen, and honey, collected in August 2021 and August 2023 in rural areas (Tabio and Guasca) of Cundinamarca, Colombia, and urban areas (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) was evaluated. and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana) of Bogotá, Colombia. In each year, 24 bees, 10 grams of honey and 10 grams of pollen were collected per sampling point. Microplastics in bees and their products were identified and quantified by stereomicroscopy, with or without hydrogen peroxide digestion pretreatment. Microplastics were found in bees, pollen, and honey in both periods, with an increase in their quantity observed over time due to increasing environmental pollution. Blue fibers were the most common microplastics, with a greater amount recorded in 2023 compared to 2021.
More Papers Like This
Characterization of Microplastics in Bees and Their Products in Urban and Rural Areas of the Sabana De Bogotá, Colombia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastics in honey bees and their products (honey, wax, propolis) from both urban and rural areas of the Sabana de Bogota, Colombia. Microplastics were found across all matrices and bee types, with urban bees showing higher contamination levels, raising concerns about both pollinator health and honey safety.
Microplastic contamination in the agri-food chain: The case of honeybees and beehive products
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic and microfiber contamination in honeybees and beehive products across urban and rural areas in Southern Italy. They confirmed that microplastics were present on bee bodies and in honey, wax, and propolis regardless of the surrounding environment, indicating widespread airborne contamination. The findings suggest that honeybees and their products could serve as bioindicators for monitoring microplastic pollution in the atmosphere.
More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic contamination in 100% of honey samples from native Brazilian bees, with polypropylene fibers being the most common type detected. Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per milliliter of honey, showing that even honey from native bee species in vegetated areas is contaminated. This adds honey to the growing list of everyday foods through which people regularly consume microplastics.
Microplásticos en la abeja melífera (Apis mellifera) en colmenares urbanos de Lima metropolitana, Perú
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics on the external surfaces and internal tissues of honeybees (Apis mellifera) from three urban apiaries in Lima, Peru, finding microplastics at all sites with fibers predominating and external surfaces carrying more particles than internal ones, suggesting honeybees may serve as useful bioindicators of urban microplastic contamination.
Presence of Microplastics in Workers of Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) in Different Landscapes in Brazil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics — including PET, polyamide, and PVC particles — inside honeybees collected from urban, peri-urban, and rural areas of Brazil, with urban bees carrying the highest loads, suggesting that bees may inadvertently pick up and transport microplastics across landscapes during foraging.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.