1
|
Ashraf SA, Mahmood D, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, Khan MI, Ashfaq F, Patel M, Snoussi M, Kieliszek M, Adnan M. Exposure to pesticide residues in honey and its potential cancer risk assessment. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 180:114014. [PMID: 37659576 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Honey is the most recognized natural food by-product derived from flower nectar and the upper aero-digestive tract of the honeybees. Significance of honey for its medicinal importance are well-documented in the world's oldest medical literatures. However, the current urbanization, environmental contaminations and changes in agricultural, as well as apiculture practices has led to various types of contaminations in honey. Among all, pesticide contamination has become one of the major issues worldwide. This review focuses on the recent updates concerning pesticides occurrence in honey, as well as how the repeated use and long-term exposure to honey contaminated with pesticide residues could affect the human physiological functions, possibly leading to the development of various cancers. Our findings suggests that uncontrolled use of pesticides in farming and apiculture practices leads to the occurrence of pesticides residues in honey. Therefore, regular consumption of such honey will pose a serious threat to human health, since most of the pesticides has been reported as potential carcinogens. This review will draw the attention of honey consumers, scientific communities, apiculture farmers, as well as governing bodies to strictly monitor the pesticide usage in floriculture, agriculture as well as other related practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Amir Ashraf
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Danish Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, P.O. Box 5888, Unaizah, 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd Elmoneim O Elkhalifa
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Jamal Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Idreesh Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences in Ar Rass, Qassim University, ArRass, 51921, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fauzia Ashfaq
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Applied Medical Sciences College, Jazan University, Jazan, 82817, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mitesh Patel
- Research and Development Cell, Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, 391760, India
| | - Mejdi Snoussi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marek Kieliszek
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Attaullah M, Nawaz MA, Ilahi I, Ali H, Jan T, Khwaja S, Hazrat A, Ullah I, Ullah Z, Ullah S, Ahmad B, Ullah R. Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e250373. [PMID: 34550295 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.250373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Attaullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - M A Nawaz
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Biotechnology, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| | - I Ilahi
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - H Ali
- University of Malakand, Department of Chemistry, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - T Jan
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - S Khwaja
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Department of Zoology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Hazrat
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - I Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - Z Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - S Ullah
- University of Malakand, Department of Botany, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - B Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Department of Zoology, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - R Ullah
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Department of Zoology, Dir Upper, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Traver BE, Feazel-Orr HK, Catalfamo KM, Brewster CC, Fell RD. Seasonal Effects and the Impact of In-Hive Pesticide Treatments on Parasite, Pathogens, and Health of Honey Bees. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 111:517-527. [PMID: 29471479 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Honey bee, Apis mellifera (L.; Hymenoptera: Apidae), populations are in decline and their losses pose a serious threat for crop pollination and food production. The specific causes of these losses are believed to be multifactorial. Pesticides, parasites and pathogens, and nutritional deficiencies have been implicated in the losses due to their ability to exert energetic stress on bees. While our understanding of the role of these factors in honey bee colony losses has improved, there is still a lack of knowledge of how they impact the immune system of the honey bee. In this study, honey bee colonies were exposed to Fumagilin-B, Apistan (tau-fluvalinate), and chlorothalonil at field realistic levels. No significant effects of the antibiotic and two pesticides were observed on the levels of varroa mite, Nosema ceranae (Fries; Microsporidia: Nosematidae), black queen cell virus, deformed wing virus, or immunity as measured by phenoloxidase and glucose oxidase activity. Any effects on the parasites, pathogens, and immunity we observed appear to be due mainly to seasonal changes within the honey bee colonies. The results suggest that Fumagilin-B, Apistan, and chlorothalonil do not significantly impact the health of honey bee colonies, based on the factors analyzed and the concentration of chemicals tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenna E Traver
- Department of Biology, Penn State Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven, PA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chiesa LM, Labella GF, Giorgi A, Panseri S, Pavlovic R, Bonacci S, Arioli F. The occurrence of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants in Italian organic honeys from different productive areas in relation to potential environmental pollution. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:482-490. [PMID: 27085062 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and consumer interest is currently oriented towards organic foods. Regarding this, the European Commission establishes that the qualification of organic honey and other beekeeping products as being from organic production is closely bound with the characteristics of hive treatments as well as the quality of the environment. Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed, in particular in the field of organic production systems. In this study, the occurrence of different classes of contaminants selected as representative of potential contamination sources were investigated in 59 organic honeys: organochlorines, OCs; organophosphates, OPs; polychlorobiphenyls, PCBs and polybromodiphenylethers, PBDEs. A method based on Accelerated Solvent Extraction with "in line" clean-up and GC-MS/MS detection was developed to detect contaminants. Residues of many pesticides were found in most of the samples investigated. The majority of honey samples contained at least one of the pesticides, even if their concentrations were found to be lower than its MRL. Diazinon, Mevinphos, Coumaphos, Chlorpyrifos and Quinoxyfen were the residues frequently detected in samples coming from the apple and citrus orchard areas. Furthermore, the results of the present study show that the presence of the residue in organic honey may also be affected by the geographical area (e.g. the presence of an agricultural system) confirming honey bee and beehive matrices as appropriate sentinels for monitoring contamination in the environment. The optimised method proved to be simple and rapid, requiring small sample sizes and minimising solvent consumption, due to the ASE having an "in line" clean-up step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - G F Labella
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Giorgi
- Centre for Applied Studies in the Sustainable Management and Protection of the Mountain Environment, Ge.S.Di.Mont., University of Milan, Via Morino 8, 25048, Edolo, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Panseri
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - R Pavlovic
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - S Bonacci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - F Arioli
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Y, Kelley RA, Anderson TD, Lydy MJ. Development and comparison of two multi-residue methods for the analysis of select pesticides in honey bees, pollen, and wax by gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry. Talanta 2015; 140:81-87. [PMID: 26048827 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the hypotheses that may help explain the loss of honey bee colonies worldwide is the increasing potential for exposure of honey bees to complex mixtures of pesticides. To better understand this phenomenon, two multi-residue methods based on different extraction and cleanup procedures have been developed, and compared for the determination of 11 relevant pesticides in honey bees, pollen, and wax by gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry. Sample preparatory methods included solvent extraction followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) cleanup and cleanup using a dispersive solid-phase extraction with zirconium-based sorbents (Z-Sep). Matrix effects, method detection limits, recoveries, and reproducibility were evaluated and compared. Method detection limits (MDL) of the pesticides for the GPC method in honey bees, pollen, and wax ranged from 0.65 to 5.92 ng/g dw, 0.56 to 6.61 ng/g dw, and 0.40 to 8.30 ng/g dw, respectively, while MDLs for the Z-Sep method were from 0.33 to 4.47 ng/g dw, 0.42 to 5.37 ng/g dw, and 0.51 to 5.34 ng/g dw, respectively. The mean recoveries in all matrices and at three spiking concentrations ranged from 64.4% to 149.5% and 71.9% to 126.2% for the GPC and Z-Sep methods, with relative standard deviation between 1.5-25.3% and 1.3-15.9%, respectively. The results showed that the Z-Sep method was more suitable for the determination of the target pesticides, especially chlorothalonil, in bee hive samples. The Z-Sep method was then validated using a series of field-collected bee hive samples taken from honey bee colonies in Virginia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Li
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 171 Life Science II, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Rebecca A Kelley
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 171 Life Science II, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Troy D Anderson
- Department of Entomology and Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, 216 Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 171 Life Science II, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yuan Z, Yao J, Liu H, Han J, Trebše P. Photodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides in honey medium. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 108:84-88. [PMID: 25042249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Honey can be polluted due to environmental pollution and misuse of beekeeping practices. In the present study, photodegradation experiments of organophosphorus pesticides (coumaphos, methyl parathion and fenitrothion) in honey medium were conducted using Atlas Suntest simulator CPS+ as a sunlight producer. Photodegradation experiments were conducted under three different intensities as 250W/m(2), 500W/m(2) and 750W/m(2) to evaluate the impact of sunlight intensity on removal of OPs in honey medium. Significant decreases of three OPs' concentrations were observed. Coumaphos showed the highest degradability, reaching a degradation percentage of 90 percent within 15min. After 1h irradiation, residual percentages of coumaphos were 6.62 percent for 250W/m(2), 3.48 percent for 500W/m(2) and 2.98 percent for 750W/m(2), respectively. Methyl parathion and fenitrothion also could be removed through photodegradation efficiently. After 1h irradiation, the residual percentages of methyl parathion and fenitrothion under 750W/m(2) sunlight irradiation were 26.89 percent and 16.70 percent, respectively. Intensity of sunlight showed a positive impact on removal of OPs in honey medium. The higher intensity, the lower residual percentage. Photodegradation of three OPs fitted well with pseudo-first order kinetics. Half-lives calculated from pseudo-first order kinetics were 17.61min (250W/m(2)), 16.67min (500W/m(2)) and 17.58min (750W/m(2)) for coumaphos, 57.62min (250W/m(2)), 34.13min (500W/m(2)) and 31.69min (750W/m(2)) for methyl parathion and 144.70min (250W/m(2)), 95.47min (500W/m(2)) and 22.57min (750W/m(2)) for fenitrothion, respectively. Most of the three OPs could dissipate in a short time under sunlight irradiation. Photodegradation could be accepted as an appropriate method for the removal of OPs in honey medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Yuan
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and National "International Cooperation Based on Environment and Energy", and Key Laboratory of "Metal and Mine Efficiently Exploiting and Safety" Ministry of Education, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083 Beijing, PR China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and National "International Cooperation Based on Environment and Energy", and Key Laboratory of "Metal and Mine Efficiently Exploiting and Safety" Ministry of Education, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083 Beijing, PR China.
| | - Haijun Liu
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and National "International Cooperation Based on Environment and Energy", and Key Laboratory of "Metal and Mine Efficiently Exploiting and Safety" Ministry of Education, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083 Beijing, PR China
| | - Jun Han
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and National "International Cooperation Based on Environment and Energy", and Key Laboratory of "Metal and Mine Efficiently Exploiting and Safety" Ministry of Education, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083 Beijing, PR China
| | - Polonca Trebše
- Laboratory for Environmental Research, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, SI-5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Al-Waili N, Salom K, Al-Ghamdi A, Ansari MJ. Antibiotic, pesticide, and microbial contaminants of honey: human health hazards. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:930849. [PMID: 23097637 PMCID: PMC3477659 DOI: 10.1100/2012/930849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed. Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and medicine and their contamination may carry serious health hazards. Honey and other bee products are polluted by pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and radioactive materials. Pesticide residues cause genetic mutations and cellular degradation and presence of antibiotics might increase resistant human or animal's pathogens. Many cases of infant botulisms have been attributed to contaminated honey. Honey may be very toxic when produced from certain plants. Ingestion of honey without knowing its source and safety might be problematic. Honey should be labeled to explore its origin, composition, and clear statement that it is free from contaminants. Honey that is not subjected for analysis and sterilization should not be used in infants, and should not be applied to wounds or used for medicinal purposes. This article reviews the extent and health impact of honey contamination and stresses on the introduction of a strict monitoring system and validation of acceptable minimal concentrations of pollutants or identifying maximum residue limits for bee products, in particular, honey.
Collapse
|