TY - JOUR
T1 - Environmental pollution effect on honey bees and their derived products: a comprehensive analysis
AU - Margaoan, Rodica
AU - Papa, Giulia
AU - Nicolescu, Alexandru
AU - Cornea-Cipcigan, Mihaiela
AU - Kösoğlu, Mustafa
AU - Topal, Erkan
AU - Negri, Ilaria
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Several factors, including environmental degradation, air pollution, intense urbanization, excessive agriculture, and climate change, endanger the well-being of animals and plants. One of the major issues with an increasingly negative impact is agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics. Seed coatings with neonicotinoid insecticides used as a protective layer against pests are shown to exceed the permissible limits in most cases. Neonicotinoid compounds bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, therefore affecting the honey bees’ brain. Heavy metals in higher concentrations are lethal for honey bees, and the residue in bee products might pose a threat to human health. Highly effective acaricides used to treat Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies have negative effects on honey bee reproduction, olfaction, and honey production. Furthermore, amitraz and fluvalinate are mostly found in the highest amounts and lead to decreased honey production and reduced colony reproduction, along with decreased learning ability and memory. However, scientific studies have shown that honey bees act as a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. In response to the growing demand for bee products, the effects of adulteration and improper storage conditions have gotten worse and represent a new risk factor. In light of the shifting global economy, it is important to analyze consumer expectations and adjust manufacturing accordingly. By ensuring the manufacture of high-quality, traceable products devoid of drug residues, consumers will be better protected from subsequent health problems. This review’s objectives are based on the necessity of identifying the risks associated with honey bees and bee products. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)
AB - Several factors, including environmental degradation, air pollution, intense urbanization, excessive agriculture, and climate change, endanger the well-being of animals and plants. One of the major issues with an increasingly negative impact is agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics. Seed coatings with neonicotinoid insecticides used as a protective layer against pests are shown to exceed the permissible limits in most cases. Neonicotinoid compounds bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, therefore affecting the honey bees’ brain. Heavy metals in higher concentrations are lethal for honey bees, and the residue in bee products might pose a threat to human health. Highly effective acaricides used to treat Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies have negative effects on honey bee reproduction, olfaction, and honey production. Furthermore, amitraz and fluvalinate are mostly found in the highest amounts and lead to decreased honey production and reduced colony reproduction, along with decreased learning ability and memory. However, scientific studies have shown that honey bees act as a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. In response to the growing demand for bee products, the effects of adulteration and improper storage conditions have gotten worse and represent a new risk factor. In light of the shifting global economy, it is important to analyze consumer expectations and adjust manufacturing accordingly. By ensuring the manufacture of high-quality, traceable products devoid of drug residues, consumers will be better protected from subsequent health problems. This review’s objectives are based on the necessity of identifying the risks associated with honey bees and bee products. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)
KW - Bee products
KW - Health
KW - Risk factors
KW - Pollution
KW - Honey bee
KW - Bee products
KW - Health
KW - Risk factors
KW - Pollution
KW - Honey bee
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10807/297517
U2 - 10.1007/s11356-024-33754-4
DO - 10.1007/s11356-024-33754-4
M3 - Article
SN - 0944-1344
SP - N/A-N/A
JO - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
JF - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
ER -