Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health
Published on: October 9, 2017
Are Honey Bees at Risk from Microplastics?
Yahya Al Naggar1,2, Markus Brinkmann3,4,5, Christie M Sayes6
1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and persistent pollutants, and have been detected in a wide variety of media, from soils to aquatic systems. MPs, consisting primarily of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylamide polymers, have recently been found in 12% of samples of honey collected in Ecuador. Recently, MPs have also been identified in honey bees collected from apiaries in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as nearby semiurban and rural areas. Given these documented exposures, assessment of their effects is critical for understanding the risks of MP exposure to honey bees. Exposure to polystyrene (PS)-MPs decreased diversity of the honey bee gut microbiota, followed by changes in gene expression related to oxidative damage, detoxification, and immunity. As a result, the aim of this perspective was to investigate whether wide-spread prevalence of MPs might have unintended negative effects on health and fitness of honey bees, as well as to draw the scientific community's attention to the possible risks of MPs to the fitness of honey bees. Several research questions must be answered before MPs can be considered a potential threat to bees.
Insights
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.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Bioplastics
01:28Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics