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Are Honey Bees at Risk from Microplastics?

Yahya Al Naggar^1,2, Markus Brinkmann^3,4,5, Christie M Sayes⁶

¹Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.

|June 2, 2021

Summary

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly found in honey and honey bees. Exposure to MPs negatively impacts honey bee gut health, immunity, and gene expression, raising concerns about their overall fitness.

Keywords:

ecological risk assessment environmental pollution honey bees microplastics pollinator crisis

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Apiculture Science

Background:

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental pollutants found globally.
MPs have been detected in honey and honey bees in various locations, including Ecuador and Denmark.
Understanding the impact of MPs on honey bee health is crucial due to their ecological and economic importance.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential negative effects of widespread microplastic prevalence on honey bee health and fitness.
To highlight the risks microplastics pose to honey bee populations.
To identify critical research questions needed to assess the threat of MPs to bees.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on microplastic detection in honey and bees.
Analysis of studies investigating the physiological effects of microplastic exposure on honey bees.
Identification of knowledge gaps regarding microplastic impacts on bee health.

Main Results:

Microplastics have been confirmed in honey samples and honey bees.
Exposure to polystyrene (PS)-MPs altered the gut microbiota diversity in honey bees.
Changes in gene expression related to oxidative damage, detoxification, and immunity were observed following MP exposure.

Conclusions:

Microplastic contamination poses a potential threat to honey bee health and fitness.
Further research is required to fully understand the risks associated with microplastic exposure in bees.
Addressing microplastic pollution is essential for safeguarding bee populations.