Neonicotinoid concentrations in UK honey from 2013

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Neonicotinoid insecticides, including clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid, are widely used in agriculture.
• Concerns exist regarding their potential impact on non-target organisms, particularly pollinators like honeybees.
• Honey samples were collected in England prior to the European Union's moratorium on neonicotinoid use in pollinator-attractive crops.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the concentrations of three key neonicotinoid insecticides in honey.
• To establish a baseline level of honeybee exposure to these pesticides before the EU moratorium.
• To assess the potential risk posed by detected neonicotinoid levels to honeybee health.

Main Methods:

• Honey samples were collected from various locations across England in Spring 2013.
• High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used for precise quantification.
• Analysis focused on detecting clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid, along with imidacloprid metabolites.

Main Results:

• Imidacloprid and its metabolites were not detected in any of the analyzed honey samples.
• Clothianidin concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection (<0.02 µg kg⁻¹) to 0.82 µg kg⁻¹.
• Thiamethoxam concentrations were detected between <0.01 µg kg⁻¹ and 0.79 µg kg⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• Detected neonicotinoid concentrations in honey were below levels associated with chronic mortality in honeybees.
• The study provides crucial baseline data for evaluating the efficacy of the EU moratorium in reducing honeybee exposure.
• Continued monitoring is essential to understand the long-term impact of pesticide use on pollinator health.