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Zarić NM, Brodschneider R, Goessler W. Sex-specific element accumulation in honey bees (Apis mellifera). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-32822-z. [PMID: 38472584 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees are social insects that show division of labor and sexual dimorphism. Female honey bees differentiate in two different castes, queens or worker bees, while males are called drones. Worker bees have different tasks in the hive including collection of food, its processing, caring for brood, protecting the hive, or producing wax. The drones' only role is to mate with a virgin queen. Many studies have dealt with differences in physiology, behavior, and morphology of workers and drones. This is the first study that demonstrates differences in element accumulation and composition between workers and drones honey bees. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we found that worker honey bees have higher concentrations of most elements analyzed. Drones had higher concentrations of elements essential to bees, Na, P, S, Zn, Cu, and especially Se (2.2 × higher), which is known to be important for sperm quality and fertility in many animals. Until now higher Se content was not observed in male insects. These differences can be attributed to different environmental exposure, reproductive role of drones, but mostly to the food workers and drones consume. Worker bees feed on bee bread, which is rich in minerals. Drones are fed food pre-processed by worker bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad M Zarić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Analytical Chemistry for Health and Environment, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Robert Brodschneider
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Walter Goessler
- Analytical Chemistry for Health and Environment, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
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2
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Breidenbach LR, Benner L, Roß-Nickoll M, Linnemann V, Schäffer A. Monitoring metal patterns from urban and agrarian sites using the bumblebee Bombus terrestris as a bioindicator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:119947-119960. [PMID: 37934407 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30504-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are well-established bioindicators for different types of pollutants. This study aims to establish another species of the Apidae family as a bioindicator, with a distinct behaviour and life cycle. The bumblebee Bombus terrestris was used as a bioindicator for 12 metals. Bumblebee hives were placed at sampling sites in and around the city of Aachen, Germany, and metal concentrations were assessed using ICP-MS. Metal concentrations were compared to those found in honeybees described in the literature. Spatial differences in metal patterns were investigated by comparing two land-use types: urban and agrarian. Seasonal differences were compared by taking samples in spring and summer. All analysed metals were detected above the detection limit and within or even above the concentration range found in honeybees. Significant spatial differences were found for the metalloid B and the metal Cd with higher concentrations at the agrarian sites than the urban sites. Significant seasonal differences were found for 8 metals: Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and As concentrations were higher in summer than in spring, while B and V concentrations were higher in spring. To categorise the results, we applied the honeybee contamination index (HCI) and adapted it to bumblebee purposes. According to the HCI, only one agrarian site showed a high contamination level. This study shows that bumblebees are suitable bioindicators for metals. The obtained data can serve as a first baseline in the establishment of additional monitoring studies or risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Rabea Breidenbach
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lena Benner
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina Roß-Nickoll
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Volker Linnemann
- Institute of Urban Water Management, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-Van-Der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Bischoff K, Moiseff J. The role of the veterinary diagnostic toxicologist in apiary health. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:597-616. [PMID: 37815239 PMCID: PMC10621547 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231203965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility of individuals and groups to toxicants depends on complex interactions involving the host, environment, and other exposures. Apiary diagnostic investigation and honey bee health are truly population medicine: the colony is the patient. Here we provide basic information on the application of toxicology to the testing of domestic honey bees, and, in light of recent research, expand on some of the challenges of interpreting analytical chemistry findings as they pertain to hive health. The hive is an efficiently organized system of wax cells used to store brood, honey, and bee bread, and is protected by the bee-procured antimicrobial compound propolis. Toxicants can affect individual workers outside or inside the hive, with disease processes that range from acute to chronic and subclinical to lethal. Toxicants can impact brood and contaminate honey, bee bread, and structural wax. We provide an overview of important natural and synthetic toxicants to which honey bees are exposed; behavioral, husbandry, and external environmental factors influencing exposure; short- and long-term impacts of toxicant exposure on individual bee and colony health; and the convergent impacts of stress, nutrition, infectious disease, and toxicant exposures on colony health. Current and potential future toxicology testing options are included. Common contaminants in apiary products consumed or used by humans (honey, wax, pollen), their sources, and the potential need for product testing are also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Bischoff
- New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Moiseff
- New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Chen X, Cao S, Wen D, Geng Y, Duan X. Sentinel animals for monitoring the environmental lead exposure: combination of traditional review and visualization analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:561-584. [PMID: 35348990 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In nature, certain animals share a common living environment with humans, thus these animals have become biomonitors of health effects related to various environmental exposures. As one of the most toxic environmental chemicals, lead (Pb) can cause detriment health effects to animals, plants, and even humans through different exposure pathways such as atmosphere, soil, food, water, and dust, etc. Sentinel animals played an "indicative" role in the researches of environmental pollution monitoring and human health. In order to comprehend the usage of sentinel animals in the indication of environmental Pb pollution and human Pb exposure completely, a combination of traditional review and visualization analysis based on CiteSpace literature was used to review earlier researches in this study. In the first instance, present researches on exposure sources and exposure pathways of Pb were summarized briefly, and then the studies using sentinel animals to monitor environmental heavy metal pollution and human health were combed. Finally, visualization software CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to explore and analyze the hotspots and frontiers of lead exposure and sentinel animals researches at home and abroad. The results showed that certain mammals were good indicators for human lead exposure. Sentinel animals had been widely used to monitor the ecological environment and human lead exposure. Among them, the blood lead levels of small mammals, particularly for domestic dogs and cats, had a significant correlation with the blood lead levels of human living in the same environment. It indicated that certain biological indicators in animals can be used as surrogates to monitor human body exposure to heavy metals. This study also explored the challenges and perspectives that may be faced in sentinel animal research, in order to provide a certain theoretical basis and train of thought guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - SuZhen Cao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dongsen Wen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yishuo Geng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoli Duan
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Di Fiore C, De Cristofaro A, Nuzzo A, Notardonato I, Ganassi S, Iafigliola L, Sardella G, Ciccone M, Nugnes D, Passarella S, Torino V, Petrarca S, Di Criscio D, Ievoli R, Avino P. Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and plasticizers residues: role of bees and honey as bioindicators of environmental contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44234-44250. [PMID: 36683105 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and plasticizer residues are continuously released into the environment. The use of living organisms, such as Apis mellifera L. and honey, is advantageous as bioindicator of the environmental health status, instead of traditional monitoring methods, showing the ability to record spatial and temporal pollutant variations. The PAHs and heavy metal presence were determined in two sampling years (2017 and 2018) in five different locations in the Molise region (Italy), characterized by different pollution levels. During 2017, most PAHs in all samples were lower than limit of detection (LOD), while in 2018, their mean concentration in bee and honey samples was of 3 μg kg-1 and 35 μg kg-1, respectively. For heavy metals, lower values were detected in 2017 (Be, Cd, and V below LOD), while in 2018, the mean concentrations were higher, 138 μg kg-1 and 69 μg kg-1, in bees and honey, respectively. Honey has been used as indicator of the presence of phthalate esters and bisphenol A in the environment. The satisfactory results confirmed that both bees and honey are an important tool for environmental monitoring. The chemometric analysis highlighted the differences in terms of pollutant concentration and variability in the different areas, validating the suitability of these matrices as bioindicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Di Fiore
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio De Cristofaro
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Angelo Nuzzo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ivan Notardonato
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sonia Ganassi
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Luigi Iafigliola
- Istituto Comprensivo "Dante Alighieri", Via Marconi 19,-I-86025, Ripalimosani, Italy
| | | | | | - Davide Nugnes
- Arpa Molise, Via Petrella 1, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sergio Passarella
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Valentina Torino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sonia Petrarca
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Dalila Di Criscio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ievoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Ferrara, Via Voltapaletto 11, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
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Monchanin C, Gabriela de Brito Sanchez M, Lecouvreur L, Boidard O, Méry G, Silvestre J, Le Roux G, Baqué D, Elger A, Barron AB, Lihoreau M, Devaud JM. Honey bees cannot sense harmful concentrations of metal pollutants in food. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 297:134089. [PMID: 35240159 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Whether animals can actively avoid food contaminated with harmful compounds through taste is key to assess their ecotoxicological risks. Here, we investigated the ability of honey bees to perceive and avoid food resources contaminated with common metal pollutants known to impair behaviour at low concentrations. In laboratory assays, bees did not discriminate food contaminated with arsenic, lead or zinc and ingested it readily, up to estimated doses of 929.1 μg g-1 As, 6.45 mg g-1 Pb and 72.46 mg g-1 Zn. A decrease of intake and appetitive responses indicating metal detection was only observed at the highest concentrations of lead (3.6 mM) and zinc (122.3 mM) through contact with the antennae and the proboscis. Electrophysiological analyses confirmed that only high concentrations of the three metals in a sucrose solution induced a consistently reduced neural response to sucrose in antennal taste receptors (As: >0.1 μM, Pb: >1 mM; Zn: >100 mM). Overall, cellular and behavioural responses did not provide evidence for specific mechanisms that would support selective detection of toxic metals (arsenic, lead), as compared to zinc, which has important biological functions. Our results thus show that honey bees can avoid metal pollutants in their food only at high concentrations unlikely to be encountered in the environment. By contrast, they appear to be unable to detect low, yet harmful, concentrations found in flowers. Metal pollution at trace levels is therefore a major threat for pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Monchanin
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Gabriela de Brito Sanchez
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Loreleï Lecouvreur
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Océane Boidard
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Grégoire Méry
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Jérôme Silvestre
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Gaël Le Roux
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - David Baqué
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Elger
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrew B Barron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Lihoreau
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Jean-Marc Devaud
- Centre de Recherches sur La Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France.
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7
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Zarić NM, Brodschneider R, Goessler W. Honey bees as biomonitors - Variability in the elemental composition of individual bees. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112237. [PMID: 34688641 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Homogenized or pooled samples of honey bees are already used for monitoring of metal pollution in the environment for a couple of decades. This is the first study that analyzed the elemental composition of individual honey bees. One apiary with 21 hives was used to test in-hive and between-hive differences at the same location. Highest in-hive variability was observed for Al (14.1x), Li (10.3x), V (10.3x), As (8.9x) and Cd (7.9x). For the elements Cu, K, Mg, Na, P, S and Zn the smallest both in-hive (2.3x, 1.8x, 2.0x, 2.2x, 1.9x, 1.7x, 2.4x respectively) as well as between-hive variability (1.5x, 1.4x, 1.4x, 1.6x, 1.4x, 1.4x and 1.5x respectively) was observed. Nonetheless, between-hive variability was statistically significant for all the analyzed elements. We proved that these differences significantly influence comparison of element concentrations in bees from different locations. One hive from Mesić apiary had significantly lower concentrations of Al (hive 18: 18.6 mg kg-1) and U (hive 1: 0.0013 mg kg-1), while at the same time a different hive from the same apiary showed higher concentration of these elements (Al, hive 14: 125 mg kg-1; U, hive 13: 0.012 mg kg-1) compared to another location (thermal power plant, Al: 97 mg kg-1, U: 0.0044 mg kg-1). Therefore, when using honey bees as biomonitors, we recommend a larger number of hives to be sampled at each location to provide an adequate dataset for reliable interpretation of results. Comparing individual bee elemental concentrations, for Na, Mg, P, S, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn negative correlations were found between dry mass of a bee and concentrations of these elements. These negative correlations could be a consequence of higher honey or nectar content in some of the sampled bees. However, this should also be considered when using honey bees as bioindicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad M Zarić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Graz, Institute of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry for Health and Environment, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Robert Brodschneider
- University of Graz, Institute of Biology, Universitaetsplatz 2, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Walter Goessler
- University of Graz, Institute of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry for Health and Environment, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
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8
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The Honey Bee: An Active Biosampler of Environmental Pollution and a Possible Warning Biomarker for Human Health. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11146481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Member states of the European Union are required to ensure the initiation of monitoring programs to verify honey bee exposure to pesticides, where and as appropriate. Based on 620 samples of dead honey bees—42 of pollen, 183 of honey and 32 of vegetables—we highlighted the presence, as analyzed by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection, of many active substances, mainly tau-fluvalinate, piperonyl butoxide, chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, permethrin and imidacloprid. Among the active substances found in analyzed matrices linked to honey bee killing incidents, 38 belong to hazard classes I and II, as methiocarb, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and permethrin, thus representing a potential risk for human health. We have shown that, at different times between 2015 and 2020, during implementation of the Italian national guidelines for managing reports of bee colony mortality or depopulation associated with pesticide use, pesticide pollution events occurred that could raise concern for human health. Competent authorities could, as part of a One Health approach, exploit the information provided by existing reporting programs on honey bees and their products, in view of the close correlation to human health, animal health and ecosystem health.
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Costa A, Veca M, Barberis M, Cicerinegri L, Tangorra FM. Predicting atmospheric cadmium and lead using honeybees as atmospheric heavy metals pollution indicators. Results of a monitoring survey in Northern Italy. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1929523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Cicerinegri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Apicoltura Veca, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Tangorra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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10
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Nadat YT, Kylin H, Sithole R, Lesch V, Bouwman H. The Wasp as a Terrestrial Indicator of Environmental Metal Composition: Evidence from Zimbabwe. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1726-1739. [PMID: 33646628 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We explored metal concentrations in wasps from 4 sites near Harare, Zimbabwe, on a 106 km west-east transect. We found elevated concentrations at 2 presumed-polluted sites (a platinum [Pt] mine and a known polluted lake) located near a metal-enriched geological feature (the Great Dyke). A site in urban Harare and a nature reserve served as reference. Only wasps from the 2 presumed-polluted sites had quantifiable Pt. For Cr, Ni, Mg, Se, Fe, Mn, and V, we report the highest concentrations in wasps yet published. Wasps from the presumed-polluted sites had significantly higher concentrations of most metals when compared with wasps from the reference sites, suggesting pollution as a source. Geology, however, differs between the sites. It is probable, therefore, that both geology and pollution contributed to the differences in metal concentrations. Because of its long and narrow dimensions (550 km long and 4-11 km wide), the Great Dyke offers opportunities for comparative studies. Because wasps form a complex part of the food web and ecology, studies on the transfer of metals to wasps' predators are needed, especially given that some birds specialize in feeding on hymenopterans. The rich diversity of wasps (>145 000 species worldwide) occupying multiple different trophic levels is a good indicator, and wasps have a rich potential to join other invertebrates as terrestrial indicators. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1726-1739. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasfir Tarif Nadat
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Henrik Kylin
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Department of Thematic Studies-Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Rudo Sithole
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Velesia Lesch
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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11
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Gillanders RN, Glackin JM, Babić Z, Muštra M, Simić M, Kezić N, Turnbull GA, Filipi J. Biomonitoring for wide area surveying in landmine detection using honeybees and optical sensing. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:129646. [PMID: 33493813 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Humanitarian demining is a worldwide effort and the range of climates and environments prevent any one detection method being suitable for all sites, so more tools are required for safe and efficient explosives sensing. Landmines emit a chemical flux over time, and honeybees can collect the trace residues of explosives (as particles or as vapour) on their body hairs. This capability was exploited using a passive method allowing the honeybees to freely forage in a mined area, where trace explosives present in the environment stuck to the honeybee body, which were subsequently transferred onto an adsorbent material for analysis by a fluorescent polymer sensor. Potential false positive sources were investigated, namely common bee pheromones, the anti-varroa pesticide Amitraz, and the environment around a clean apiary, and no significant response was found to any from the sensor. The mined site gave a substantial response in the optical sensor films, with quenching efficiencies of up to 38%. A model was adapted to estimate the mass of explosives returned to the colony, which may be useful for estimating the number of mines in a given area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N Gillanders
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS, Scotland.
| | - James Me Glackin
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS, Scotland
| | - Zdenka Babić
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka, Patre 5, 78000, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mario Muštra
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Vukelićeva 4, HR, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mitar Simić
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka, Patre 5, 78000, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nikola Kezić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Graham A Turnbull
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS, Scotland
| | - Janja Filipi
- Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg Kneza Višeslava 9, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.
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12
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Pourkhorsandi H, Debaille V, de Jong J, Armytage RMG. Cerium stable isotope analysis of synthetic and terrestrial rock reference materials by MC-ICPMS. Talanta 2021; 224:121877. [PMID: 33379086 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element (REE) in the solar photosphere, CI chondrites, and the Earth. It has four main stable isotopes (masses: 136,138,140, and 142), with 138Ce being the most studied species, used in geochronology and petrogenesis. In addition, more abundant 140Ce and 142Ce are suggested to be potentially applicable in geochemical investigations. In this work, we developed a modified four-step ion chromatography procedure for Ce chemical separation. Using a MC-ICPMS, we designed a cup configuration to measure 142Ce/140Ce ratio of the samples with an optimized Nd correction equation. A 0.03‰ (2SD) reproducibility was obtained for Ce Ames metal standard. We analyzed ten different igneous and one sedimentary geochemical reference materials. Mean δ142Ce range from -0.07 to 0.32‰. Most of the samples show a heavier Ce isotopic composition than the Ce Ames standard. The majority of rocks have a homogenous δ142Ce. The δ142Ce does not show any correlation with rock chemical composition including their Ce content or rock types. A carbonatite (SARM 40) has a mean δ142Ce of -0.07 ± 0.13‰ (2SD), lower than the other rocks, suggesting the possibility of a pronounced isotopic fractionation. Our work demonstrates the applicability of the developed methodology and the potential of Ce stable isotopes for future geochemical studies. Production of a larger database of δ142Ce values is required to obtain a clearer view on the similarities and differences between different geological material and explaining Ce stable isotope dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Pourkhorsandi
- Laboratoire G-Time, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/02, 50, Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Vinciane Debaille
- Laboratoire G-Time, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/02, 50, Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen de Jong
- Laboratoire G-Time, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/02, 50, Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rosalind M G Armytage
- Laboratoire G-Time, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/02, 50, Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Now at Jacobs/JETS, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mailcode XI3, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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13
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Ilijević K, Vujanović D, Orčić S, Purać J, Kojić D, Zarić N, Gržetić I, Blagojević DP, Čelić TV. Anthropogenic influence on seasonal and spatial variation in bioelements and non-essential elements in honeybees and their hemolymph. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 239:108852. [PMID: 32777467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Honeybee colony losses have been a focus of research in the last years, due to the importance of managed honeybee colonies for economy and ecology. Different unfavorable conditions from the outside environment have a strong impact on the hive health. The majority of losses occur mainly during winter and the exact reason is not completely understood. Only a small number of studies are dealing with content of bioelements, their function and influence on honeybee physiology. The aim of the present study was to determine seasonal and spatial variations in content of bioelements and non-essential elements, in hemolymph and whole body of honeybees originating from three regions with different degrees of urbanization and industrialization. Concentrations of 16 elements were compared: macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) and non-essential elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sr) in samples collected from 3 different environments: Golija (rural region), Belgrade (urban region) and Zajača (industrial region). Content of bioelements and non-essential elements in honeybees was under noticeable influence of the surrounding environment, season and degree of honeybee activity. Hemolymph was proven to be helpful in differentiating air pollution from other sources of honeybee exposure. The results of our study demonstrated that bees can be successfully used as biomonitors since we have observed statistically significant differences among observed locations, but unless compared locations are exposed to excessively different pollution pressures, it is essential that all bees should be collected at the same season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Ilijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Vujanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Orčić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jelena Purać
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Danijela Kojić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nenad Zarić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Gržetić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Duško P Blagojević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Physiology, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana V Čelić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
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14
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Papa G, Capitani G, Capri E, Pellecchia M, Negri I. Vehicle-derived ultrafine particulate contaminating bees and bee products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141700. [PMID: 32861077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite adverse health effects, ultrafine particulate matter (UFP), i.e., PM less than 0.1 μm in diameter, is an emerging pollutant not subject to regulation. UFP may cause both lung inflammation and cardiopulmonary disease and may enter the brain directly via the olfactory bulb, affecting the nervous system. In highly urbanized environments, diesel and gasoline vehicles are among the major sources of UFP including combustion-generated solid particle pollutant and metal-based particles. Metal-based UFP are of much concern, as they may promote inflammation and DNA damage via oxidative stress with generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We used the honeybee as an alternative sampling system of UFP in an area of the Po Valley (Northern Italy), which is subject to intense traffic. Worker bees are widely recognised as efficient samplers of air pollutants, including airborne PM. During flight and foraging activity, pubescence of the bees promotes the accumulation of electrical charge on the body's surface, enhancing attraction to air pollutants. Bees living near the main Italian highway, the Autostrada A1, displayed a contamination of nanosized Fe-oxides/hydroxides and baryte. Sources of Fe-bearing and baryte ultrafine particles are primarily the vehicles speeding on the motorway. Pollen collected by forager bees and honey produced by the bee colony displayed contamination by nanosized Fe-oxides/hydroxides and baryte. Such a contamination exposes pollinators and humans to UFP ingestion, endangering the safety of food produced at traffic-influenced sites. Given the global spread of traffic, our findings suggest that exposure and environmental impact of ultrafine Fe-oxides/hydroxides and baryte are potentially ubiquitous, although usually overlooked in environmental policy discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Papa
- DIPROVES - Università Cattolica, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Ettore Capri
- OPERA RESEARCH - European Observatory on Sustainable Agriculture, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Negri
- DIPROVES - Università Cattolica, Piacenza, Italy.
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15
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Bosancic B, Zabic M, Mihajlovic D, Samardzic J, Mirjanic G. Comparative study of toxic heavy metal residues and other properties of honey from different environmental production systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:38200-38211. [PMID: 32617820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees forage a large spatial area around the hives. In addition, honey production takes place in various environments, and polluted environment is often hard to detect. It impacts both human and beehive health, especially through honey which is used for human consumption. Pollen analysis was conducted by a novel approach through a multivariate principal component analysis where it was possible to obtain grouping patterns related to foraging plant species. Samples of honey were acquired from three different environmental production systems: (i) honey from the apiaries in the vicinity of thermal power plant, (ii) apiary of certified organic production and (iii) the conventional production with semi-controlled production. Significantly higher contents of the Pb, Cd and Zn are found in the analysed honeys taken near the thermal power plant compared with those of the other analysed honeys. The origin of Zn, Pb and Cd in the honey is the contaminated forage plants and foraging honeybees. Honey from certified organic production differentiated significantly from other two types of production by the water content, electrical conductivity and total soluble solids and notably it contained significantly less ash and lead. There is a clear advantage of certified organic honey in terms of heavy metal residues as the most prominent pollution factor in honey. Therefore, honey can be used as the broad range environmental pollution indicator, as bees will forage on polluted plants and bring the pollutant from a wide spatial range inside the hive, where it can be traced in the honey. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borut Bosancic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Agriculture, University Campus, Boul. v. P. Bojovica 1A, Banja Luka, R. Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- University of Banja Luka Genetic Resources Institute, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Mirjana Zabic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Agriculture, University Campus, Boul. v. P. Bojovica 1A, Banja Luka, R. Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dijana Mihajlovic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Agriculture, University Campus, Boul. v. P. Bojovica 1A, Banja Luka, R. Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelica Samardzic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Agriculture, University Campus, Boul. v. P. Bojovica 1A, Banja Luka, R. Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Goran Mirjanic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Agriculture, University Campus, Boul. v. P. Bojovica 1A, Banja Luka, R. Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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16
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Smith KE, Weis D. Evaluating Spatiotemporal Resolution of Trace Element Concentrations and Pb Isotopic Compositions of Honeybees and Hive Products as Biomonitors for Urban Metal Distribution. GEOHEALTH 2020; 4:e2020GH000264. [PMID: 32671313 PMCID: PMC7340846 DOI: 10.1029/2020gh000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Assessing metal distributions in cities is an important aspect of urban environmental quality management. Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their products are biomonitors that can elucidate small-scale metal distribution within a city. We compare range and variations in trace element (TE) concentrations and lead (Pb) isotopic compositions of honey, bee tissue, bee pollen, and propolis collected throughout Metro Vancouver (BC, Canada). Honey, bee, and bee pollen results have similar TE and isotopic trends; samples collected in urban and industrialized areas exhibit elevated concentrations of anthropogenically influenced TE (e.g., Pb, Zn, V, and Ti) and a less radiogenic Pb isotopic composition (i.e., lower 206Pb/207Pb and elevated 208Pb/206Pb) relative to their suburban and rural counterparts. For example, 206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/206Pb in honey range from 1.126, 2.131 and 1.184, 2.063; extremes measured in honey from urban and suburban/rural areas, respectively. Except for propolis, measured and interpolated (kriged) results in all materials reflect the immediate zoning or land use setting near the hive, providing kilometer-scale geospatial resolution, suitable for monitoring urban systems. Statistical analysis reveals that no systematic variations or intra- or inter-annual trends exist in TE concentrations or Pb isotopic compositions, including among sampling and field methods (i.e., old vs. new hive equipment and honey from the brood nest box vs. honey super). The results of this systematic study using honeybees and hive products in Metro Vancouver provide a robust, current baseline for future comparison of local land use and environmental policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Smith
- Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Dominique Weis
- Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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17
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Feldhaar H, Otti O. Pollutants and Their Interaction with Diseases of Social Hymenoptera. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11030153. [PMID: 32121502 PMCID: PMC7142568 DOI: 10.3390/insects11030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Many insect species, including social insects, are currently declining in abundance and diversity. Pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or airborne fine particulate matter from agricultural and industrial sources are among the factors driving this decline. While these pollutants can have direct detrimental effects, they can also result in negative interactive effects when social insects are simultaneously exposed to multiple stressors. For example, sublethal effects of pollutants can increase the disease susceptibility of social insects, and thereby jeopardize their survival. Here we review how pesticides, heavy metals, or airborne fine particulate matter interact with social insect physiology and especially the insects’ immune system. We then give an overview of the current knowledge of the interactive effects of these pollutants with pathogens or parasites. While the effects of pesticide exposure on social insects and their interactions with pathogens have been relatively well studied, the effects of other pollutants, such as heavy metals in soil or fine particulate matter from combustion, vehicular transport, agriculture, and coal mining are still largely unknown. We therefore provide an overview of urgently needed knowledge in order to mitigate the decline of social insects.
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18
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Gomes DAS, Alves JPDS, da Silva EGP, Novaes CG, Silva DS, Aguiar RM, Araújo SA, dos Santos ACL, Bezerra MA. Evaluation of metal content in tea samples commercialized in sachets using multivariate data analysis techniques. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Gajger IT, Kosanović M, Oreščanin V, Kos S, Bilandžić N. Mineral Content in Honeybee Wax Combs as a Measurement of the Impact of Environmental Factors. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:697-703. [PMID: 31520141 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02713-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution from metals needs to be constantly monitored due to their predominantly negative impacts on living organisms. As apian products stored in hives are considered useful bioindicators, the objective of this study was to: (a) investigate and compare the essential and toxic metal concentrations in freshly constructed combs (light combs, LC) and old combs (dark combs, DC) in use for two to three beekeeping seasons, and (b) compare the mineral content of beeswax combs from apiaries exposed to different levels of environmental pollution using the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence method. Concentrations of ten elements (Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn, Sr, Rb, Ca) were determined in 18 honeybee wax comb samples from three apiaries in continental Croatia. The results showed that the influence of comb age and/or geographical origin (representing varying levels of environmental pollution exposure) on the elemental composition of beeswax was evident for the toxic elements Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni, and for the essential elements Fe, Zn, Mn and Sr, but not Rb. In addition to monitoring the environmental element content, wax combs can be used to determine contamination levels. Additionally, in-time analysis results can enable beekeepers to adjust management practices, such as moving apiaries to better positions. They can also be useful in the creation of policies on acceptable limits for toxic metal levels in particular geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Tlak Gajger
- Department for the Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, University of Zagreb Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marina Kosanović
- Department for the Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, University of Zagreb Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Snježana Kos
- Spadent d.o.o., V. Holjevca 27, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department for Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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20
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Gillanders RN, Glackin JME, Filipi J, Kezic N, Samuel IDW, Turnbull GA. Preconcentration techniques for trace explosive sensing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 658:650-658. [PMID: 30580219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Trace sensing of explosive vapours is a method in humanitarian demining and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection that has received increasing attention recently, since accurate, fast, and reliable chemical detection is highly important for threat identification. However, trace molecule sampling in the field can be extremely difficult due to factors including weather, locale, and very low vapour pressure of the explosive. Preconcentration of target molecules onto a substrate can provide a method to collect higher amounts of analyte for analysis. We used the commercial fluoropolymer Aflas as a preconcentrator material to sorb explosive molecules to the surface, allowing subsequent detection of the explosives via the luminescence quenching response from the organic polymer Super Yellow. The preconcentration effect of Aflas was confirmed and characterised with 2,4-DNT, prior to field sampling being conducted at a test minefield in Croatia by placing preconcentration strips in the entrance of beehives, where honeybees have collected explosive materials during free-flying. In this work we show for the first time a method for confirmation of landmines combining honeybee colonies containing a preconcentration material and subsequent monitoring of luminescence quenching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N Gillanders
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, Scotland.
| | - James M E Glackin
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, Scotland
| | - Janja Filipi
- Dept. of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Nikola Kezic
- HCR-CTRO d.o.o., Sortina 1d, HR-10020 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ifor D W Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, Scotland
| | - Graham A Turnbull
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, Scotland.
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