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Coumaphos distribution in the hive ecosystem: case study for modeling applications.
Paolo Tremolada1, Iris Bernardinelli, Mario Colombo
1Department of Biology, University of Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milano, Italy. paolo.tremolada@unimi.it
Ecotoxicology (London, England)
|November 6, 2004
Summary
Pesticide contamination from Varroa destructor treatments in honeybee hives is widespread. Coumaphos residues persist in wax and honey for extended periods, impacting hive health.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Environmental Chemistry
- Pesticide Science
Background:
- Honeybee parasites like Varroa destructor necessitate pesticide use within hives.
- Pesticide application can lead to unintended contamination of hive products and bees.
- Understanding pesticide fate is crucial for honeybee health and product safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the distribution and persistence of the pesticide coumaphos in honeybee hives.
- To quantify residue levels in various hive components and bees over time.
- To evaluate the predictive capability of a fugacity model for pesticide behavior in hives.
Main Methods:
- Two experimental hives were treated with coumaphos (Perizin).
- Samples of honey, wax, pollen, adult bees, and larvae were collected up to 104 days post-treatment.
- Mass balance calculations and a Level I fugacity model were employed.
Main Results:
- Diffuse contamination was observed across all sampled hive components and bees.
- Residues were highest in directly treated surfaces (wood, wax).
- Wax and honey retained coumaphos residues long-term (10% and 0.1% respectively), with bees rapidly metabolizing and eliminating the pesticide.
Conclusions:
- Coumaphos contamination from Varroa treatments is extensive and persistent within honeybee hives.
- Wax and honey act as long-term reservoirs for pesticide residues.
- Fugacity modeling provides a useful tool for predicting pesticide behavior in apiary environments.