We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ingesting microplastics or nanometals during development harms the tropical pollinator Partamona helleri (Apinae: Meliponini)
Summary
Scientists fed microplastic particles (polystyrene and PET) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles to developing larvae of a tropical stingless bee species to assess potential harm to pollinators. While larval survival was not affected, adult bees that developed from treated larvae showed increased body weight and altered head sizes compared to controls. The study suggests that ingesting microscopic contaminants during development may cause subtle but measurable changes in pollinator body characteristics.
The disposal of plastics and metal-derived compounds results in the contamination of the environment with nano/microparticles, leading to the exposure of various organisms to these harmful particles. However, the impacts of these particles on pollinating insects, which provide relevant ecosystem services, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of microscopic particles on the tropical pollinator Partamona helleri (Apinae: Meliponini), specifically evaluating the toxicity of plastic microparticles (polystyrene - PS, and polyethylene terephthalate - PET) and nanoparticles of a metal oxide (titanium dioxide - TiO) via larval ingestion by bees reared in vitro. The survival rate of P. helleri larvae was not affected by the ingestion of particles of PS (500 ng/bee), PET (500 ng/bee), or TiO (10 μg/bee) compared to the non-treated diet (control or diet without the particles). Adults derived from treated larvae had increased body weight compared to the control, and the walking behavior of adults was altered by the ingestion of particles. Adults that ingested PET or TiO as larvae tended to rest for a longer time and interact more with other bees than the control. Hemocyte counts also changed, with a shift in the proportion of plasmatocytes and prohemocytes in treated individuals. Our findings suggest that even levels considered low for honey bees of exposure to plastic microparticles or metal nanoparticles can harm the health and behavior of stingless bees.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics reach the brain and interfere with honey bee cognition
Researchers found that microplastics reach honey bee brains and impair cognitive function, with bees exposed to mixed polymer combinations showing disrupted learning and memory abilities, demonstrating that plastic pollution poses a direct threat to pollinator health.
Influence of nano-polystyrene on cyfluthrin toxicity in honeybee Apis cerana cerana Fabricius
Researchers found that nano-polystyrene plastics damaged the gut and gland development of Asian honeybees, while also changing how the bees process toxins at the genetic level. When combined with the pesticide cyfluthrin, the nanoplastics altered detoxification and immune gene activity in complex ways. Since honeybees are essential pollinators for food crops, the toxic effects of nanoplastics on bee health could have indirect consequences for human food security.
Ingestion of polystyrene microparticles impairs survival and defecation in larvae of Polistes satan (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastic ingestion significantly impaired survival and defecation in larvae of the paper wasp Polistes satan, with effects dependent on particle size and concentration. The findings demonstrate that terrestrial insects are vulnerable to microplastic contamination and that ingestion can disrupt basic physiological functions.
Microplastics incorporated by honeybees from food are transferred to honey, wax and larvae
Researchers found that when honeybees consume food contaminated with microplastics, the particles are transferred to honey, beeswax, and developing larvae inside the hive. Chronic exposure did not significantly affect colony growth, but the presence of microplastics in honey means humans may be ingesting them through this food source. This study reveals another pathway by which microplastics can enter the human diet through contaminated bee products.
Microplastics reach the brain and interfere with honey bee cognition
Researchers found that polystyrene and plexiglass microplastics can reach the brains of honey bees and disrupt their cognitive function, impairing sucrose responsiveness and appetitive olfactory learning and memory at environmentally relevant concentrations.