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Schiano ME, D'Auria LJ, D'Auria R, Seccia S, Rofrano G, Signorelli D, Sansone D, Caprio E, Albrizio S, Cocca M. Microplastic contamination in the agri-food chain: The case of honeybees and beehive products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174698. [PMID: 38997016 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, MPs, plastic fragments with a dimension lower than 5 mm, and microfibers, MFs, synthetic and natural/artificial fibrous fragments with a diameter lower than 50 μm, are ubiquitous pollutants identified in different environmental compartments. In this work the occurrence of MPs and MFs on honeybees, Apis mellifera, and beehive products was evaluated, using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, confirming that MPs and MFs are widely present as air contaminants in all the apiary's areas (high and low urbanized areas) in Southern Italy. Results indicated that independently from the site, both honeybees and honey samples, are contaminated by MFs with non-natural color. The majority of MFs were of natural origin followed by artificial MFs and synthetic MFs. Moreover, the chemical composition of MFs isolated from honeybees reflect that used in synthetic fabrics, leading to the hypothesis that they are released from textile to air where are captured by bees. Results highlight that MFs represent a class of ubiquitous airborne anthropogenic pollutants. The identification of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, MPs in honeybees confirm the recent findings that PTFE MPs are diffuse soil and air contaminants while the identification of polyethylene, PE, based MPs in honey samples, from low density urban sites, could be correlated to the large use of PE in agriculture. In the honey samples, also polycaprolactone, PCL, MPs were identified, mainly in high density urban sites, confirming that biodegradable materials could be further pollutants in the environments. The results indicate that honeybees are contaminated by MPs and MFs during their flights or picking up from the hive components, flowers, from other nest mates, from the clothes of the beekeeper, among others and some of them could be transferred to honey samples that could be also affected by soil contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Erminia Schiano
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials National Research Council of Italy, via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Jacopo D'Auria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Auria
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials National Research Council of Italy, via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Serenella Seccia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rofrano
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Daniel Signorelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Donato Sansone
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Emilio Caprio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università, 100 Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Albrizio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium INBB, Viale Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials National Research Council of Italy, via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
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Rani-Borges B, Arena MVN, Gomes IN, Lins LHFDC, Cestaro LDSC, Pompêo M, Ando RA, Alves-Dos-Santos I, Toppa RH, Martines MR, Queiroz LG. More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39072473 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00262h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Honey, traditionally known as a pure and natural substance, has become an unexpected reservoir for microplastic contamination. This study consisted of an experimental investigation to assess the occurrence of microplastics in honey produced by Melipona quadrifasciata, a native bee species in Brazil. Our investigation covers eight areas (one sample per area), including built and vegetated areas located in São Paulo city, Brazil, to understand the distribution of microplastics in these environments. Honey samples (10 mL) were collected using a syringe and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Microplastics extracted from honey samples were characterized under a stereomicroscope to determine their size, color, and morphology. Also, the polymer type was determined by FTIR analysis. All honey samples (100%) showed microplastics. The predominant particles displayed a fiber shape with a size below 299 μm and a transparent color and were primarily composed of polypropylene. Their concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per mL of honey, raising concerns about their potential impact on bee populations and human consumers. This study underscores the need for further research on the sources and implications of microplastic contamination in Melipona quadrifasciata honey, shedding light on the broader issue of environmental plastic pollution and its impact on pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rani-Borges
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Victorino Nicolosi Arena
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Center for Studies in Landscape Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Naiara Gomes
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Center for Ecological Synthesis and Conservation, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG, 31270-910 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Pompêo
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Augusto Ando
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Isabel Alves-Dos-Santos
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rogério Hartung Toppa
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Center for Studies in Landscape Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto Martines
- Department of Geography, Tourism, and Humanities, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, 13565-905 Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gonçalves Queiroz
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, USP, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
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Le Hen G, Masoni A, Manuelli M, Falsini S, Corti E, Balzani P, Renault D, Papini A, Santini G. Ants avoid food contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124625. [PMID: 39069242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) have recently received particular attention in freshwater and marine ecosystems, but less is known about their impact on terrestrial species. Ants can be used as biological indicators for many types of pollutants and are therefore a good candidate to explore the effects of MNP pollution. In the present study, we investigated the ability of workers from seven colonies of the acrobat ant Crematogaster scutellaris to detect MNP in their food. After two days of starvation, groups of ten ants were tested for their preference toward control and polyethylene-treated solutions. Every 5 min over a total 20 min period, the number of workers feeding on either solution was counted. The results showed that C. scutellaris workers could detect and avoid contaminated food, feeding more often on the uncontaminated solution in the first 10 min. However, after 10 min the food preference was no longer significant between the groups, likely owing to feeding satiation. We then assessed whether this feeding behaviour is sufficient to cause the accumulation of MNP in the ant. We thereby provided a solution containing fluorescent MNP (fMNP) at the same concentration as in the previous experiments. Observation of the ants' mouthparts using fluorescent light microscopy showed that after 10 min dense aggregations of fMNP were visible. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms of detection of MNP by ants, and the accumulation dynamics in ants' bodies. Moreover, the effects of MNP on the integrity and fitness of ant colonies, as well as the potential transfer across terrestrial trophic chains should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendaline Le Hen
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marta Manuelli
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Falsini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Emilio Corti
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paride Balzani
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - David Renault
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, ECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution)], UMR 6553, 35000 Rennes, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 1 Rue Descartes, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Alessio Papini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3, 50121, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Biologia, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Meza-Figueroa D, Berrellez-Reyes F, Schiavo B, Morton-Bermea O, Gonzalez-Grijalva B, Inguaggiato C, Silva-Campa E. Tracking fine particles in urban and rural environments using honey bees as biosamplers in Mexico. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142881. [PMID: 39032733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This work explores the efficiency of honey bees (Apis mellifera) as biosamplers of metal pollution. To understand this, we selected two cities with different urbanization (a medium-sized city and a megacity), and we collected urban dust and honey bees captured during flight. We sampled two villages and a university campus as control areas. The metal content in dust was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the shape and size distribution of the particles, and to characterize the semiquantitative chemical composition of particles adhered to honey bee's wings. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows a distinctive urban dust geochemical signature for each city, with component 1 defining V-Cr-Ni-Tl-Pt-Pb-Sb as characteristic of Mexico City and Ce-As-Zr for dust from Hermosillo. Particle count using SEM indicates that 69% and 63.4% of the resuspended dust from Hermosillo and Mexico City, respectively, corresponds to PM2.5. Instead, the particle count measured on the honey bee wings from Hermosillo and Mexico City is mainly PM2.5, 91.4% and 88.9%, respectively. The wings from honey bees collected in the villages and the university campus show much lower particle amounts. AFM-histograms confirmed that the particles identified in Mexico City have even smaller sizes (between 60 and 480 nm) than those in Hermosillo (between 400 and 1400 nm). Particles enriched in As, Zr, and Ce mixed with geogenic elements such as Si, Ca, Mg, K, and Na dominate honey bee' wings collected in Hermosillo. In contrast, those particles collected from Mexico City contain V, Cr, Ni, Tl, Pt, Pb, and Sb. Such results agree with the urban dust data. This work shows that honey bees are suitable biosamplers for the characterization of fine dust fractions by microscopy techniques and reflect the urban pollution of the sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Meza-Figueroa
- Departamento de Geología, División de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Centro, Hermosillo, 83000, Sonora, Mexico.
| | - Francisco Berrellez-Reyes
- Departamento de Geología, División de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Centro, Hermosillo, 83000, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Benedetto Schiavo
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Ofelia Morton-Bermea
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Belem Gonzalez-Grijalva
- Departamento de Geología, División de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Centro, Hermosillo, 83000, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Claudio Inguaggiato
- Departamento de Geología, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana, 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Erika Silva-Campa
- Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Centro, Hermosillo, 83000, Sonora, Mexico
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Bashir S, Ghosh P, Lal P. Dancing with danger-how honeybees are getting affected in the web of microplastics-a review. NANOIMPACT 2024; 35:100522. [PMID: 39019436 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have negatively impacted the ecosystem dramatically over the last few decades. The environment is becoming more contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics (MPs) as a result of the swift rise in industrialization and urbanisation. These contaminants are present everywhere in the ecosystem, affecting every living creature, from aquatic to terrestrial to aerial. Recently, the widespread of microplastics in the environment has raised serious concerns about the contamination of honey bees by these tiny particles of plastic. Honeybees are the major pollinators which contributes in the pollination of about 70% food that we consume. This review summarizes current research findings on the presence, uptake, and possible effects of microplastics on honey bees. Findings revealed the presence of microplastics in various honey bee matrices, such as honey, pollen, beeswax, and bee bodies, highlighting the potential routes of exposure for these vital pollinators. Additionally, evidence suggests that microplastics can accumulate in honey bee tissues (brain, midgut, Malpighian tubules, trachea, and haemolymph) potentially leading to adverse effects on honey bee health, behaviour, and colony dynamics. Additionally, MPs has a synergistic impact on immune system as well. Change in cuticle profile, reduction in body weight, and changes in eating frequency can regulate overall success rate of their survival. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term consequences for honey bee populations and ecosystem health, which cannot unveil the ultimate degree of future threats. Future research efforts should focus on investigating the interactions between microplastics and other stressors, such as pesticides and pathogens, and assessing the broader ecological implications of honey bee contamination with microplastics. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of microplastics on honey bee populations and safeguarding their vital role in ecosystem functioning and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Bashir
- Department of Zoology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, 144411
| | - Pritha Ghosh
- Department of Entomology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, 144411.
| | - Priyanka Lal
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, 144411
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Sucharitakul P, Wu WM, Zhang Y, Peng BY, Gao J, Wang L, Hou D. Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Microplastics in Terrestrial Insects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11887-11900. [PMID: 38885123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastics on aquatic organisms, including those of macroplastics, microplastics, and nanoplastics, have been well established. However, knowledge on the interaction between plastics and terrestrial insects is limited. To develop effective strategies for mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the toxicity effects and influencing factors of plastic ingestion by insects. An overview of current knowledge regarding plastic ingestion by terrestrial insects is provided in this Review, and the factors influencing this interaction are identified. The pathways through which insects interact with plastics, which can lead to plastic accumulation and microplastic transfer to higher trophic levels, are also discussed using an overview and a conceptual model. The diverse impacts of plastic exposure on insects are discussed, and the challenges in existing studies, such as a limited focus on certain plastic types, are identified. Further research on standardized methods for sampling and analysis is crucial for reliable research, and long-term monitoring is essential to assess plastic trends and ecological impacts in terrestrial ecosystems. The mechanisms underlying these effects need to be uncovered, and their potential long-term consequences for insect populations and ecosystems require evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Yalei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bo-Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Al Naggar Y, Ali H, Mohamed H, Kholy SE, El-Seedi HR, Mohamed A, Sevin S, Ghramh HA, Wang K. Exploring the risk of microplastics to pollinators: focusing on honey bees. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:46898-46909. [PMID: 38981968 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The rapid increase in global plastic production and usage has led to global environmental contamination, with microplastics (MPs) emerging as a significant concern. Pollinators provide a crucial ecological service, while bee populations have been declining in recent years, and MPs have been recognized as a new risk factor contributing to their losses. Despite the pervasive distribution and persistence of MPs, understanding their risks to honey bees remains a critical knowledge gap. This review summarizes recent studies that investigate the toxicity of MPs on honey bee health from different perspectives. The findings revealed diverse and material-/size-/dosage-dependent outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments in the follow-up studies. MPs have been detected in honey and in bees' organs (e.g., gut and brain), posing potential threats to bee fitness, including altered behavior, cognitive abilities, compromised immunity, and dysfunction of the gut microbiota. It should be noticed that despite several laboratory studies suggesting the aforementioned adverse effects of MPs, field/semi-field experiments are still warranted. The synergistic toxicity of MPs with other environmental contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics, fungicides, heavy metals, etc.) still requires further investigation. Our review highlights the critical need to understand the relationships between MPs, pollinators, and the ecosystem to mitigate potential risks and ensure the sustainability of vital services provided by honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Al Naggar
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and Its Products, Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Howida Ali
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Huda Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Samar El Kholy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, P. O. Box: 170, Madinah, 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
- Research Fellow, King Saud University Museum of Arthropods, Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sedat Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Hamed A Ghramh
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and Its Products, Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ferrante F, Pasquini E, Cappa F, Bellocchio L, Baracchi D. Unravelling the microplastic menace: Different polymers additively increase bee vulnerability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124087. [PMID: 38703977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are growing and ubiquitous environmental pollutants and represent one of the greatest contemporary challenges caused by human activities. Current research has predominantly examined the singular toxicological effects of individual polymers, neglecting the prevailing reality of organisms confronted with complex contaminant mixtures and potential synergistic effects. To fill this research gap, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of two common MPs, polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA - 1-40 μm), and their combination (MIX), on the pollinating insect Apis mellifera. For each treatment, we evaluated the oral toxicity of two ecologically relevant and one higher concentration (0.5, 5 and 50 mg/L) and analysed their effects on the immune system and worker survival. As immune activation can alter the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of honey bees, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate whether MPs lead to changes in the chemical profile of foragers and behavioural assay to test whether such changes affect behavioural patterns of social recognition, undermining overall colony integrity. The results indicate an additive negative effect of PS and PMMA on bee survival and immune response, even at ecologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, alterations in cuticle profiles were observed with both MPs at the highest and intermediate concentrations, with PMMA being mainly responsible. Both MPs exposure resulted in a reduction in the abundance of several cuticular compounds. Hive entry guards did not show increased inspection or aggressive behaviour towards exposed foragers, allowing them to enter the colony without being treated differently from uncontaminated foragers. These findings raise concerns not only for the health of individual bees, but also for the entire colony, which could be at risk if contaminated nestmates enter the colony undetected, allowing MPs to spread throughout the hive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrante
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Largo dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Elisa Pasquini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Center for Mind/Brain Science (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Federico Cappa
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bellocchio
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy.
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Zhang L, Huang Y, Duan X, Si H, Luo H, Chen S, Liu L, He H, Wang Z, Liao S. Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Camphor Derivatives against Rhizoctonia solani: A Promising Alternative Antifungal Agent for Rice Sheath Blight. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11415-11428. [PMID: 38727515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Rice sheath blight, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, poses a significant threat to rice cultivation globally. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of action of camphor derivatives against R. solani. Compound 4o exhibited superior fungicidal activities in vitro (EC50 = 6.16 mg/L), and in vivo curative effects (77.5%) at 500 mg/L were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than the positive control validamycin·bacillus (66.1%). Additionally, compound 4o exhibited low cytotoxicity and acute oral toxicity for adult worker honeybees of Apis mellifera L. Mechanistically, compound 4o disrupted mycelial morphology and microstructure, increased cell membrane permeability, and inhibited both PDH and SDH enzyme activities. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses indicated a tight interaction of compound 4o with PDH and SDH active sites. In summary, compound 4o exhibited substantial antifungal efficacy against R. solani, serving as a promising lead compound for further optimization of antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
- College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Super Rice Engineering Technology Research Center, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yizhong Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang 330032, China
| | | | - Hongyan Si
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Hai Luo
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Shangxing Chen
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | | | - Haohua He
- College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology, Ecology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Super Rice Engineering Technology Research Center, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Zongde Wang
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Shengliang Liao
- College of Forestry, East China Woody Fragrance and Flavor Engineering Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Breeding and Efficient Utilization of Native Tree Species, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
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10
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Lin Z, Shen S, Wang K, Ji T. Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health. Integr Zool 2024; 19:442-457. [PMID: 37427560 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower-rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Shen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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11
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Encerrado-Manriquez AM, Pouv AK, Fine JD, Nicklisch SCT. Enhancing knowledge of chemical exposures and fate in honey bee hives: Insights from colony structure and interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170193. [PMID: 38278225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees are unintentionally exposed to a wide range of chemicals through various routes in their natural environment, yet research on the cumulative effects of multi-chemical and sublethal exposures on important caste members, including the queen bee and brood, is still in its infancy. The hive's social structure and food-sharing (trophallaxis) practices are important aspects to consider when identifying primary and secondary exposure pathways for residential hive members and possible chemical reservoirs within the colony. Secondary exposures may also occur through chemical transfer (maternal offloading) to the brood and by contact through possible chemical diffusion from wax cells to all hive members. The lack of research on peer-to-peer exposures to contaminants and their metabolites may be in part due to the limitations in sensitive analytical techniques for monitoring chemical fate and dispersion. Combined application of automated honey bee monitoring and modern chemical trace analysis techniques could offer rapid progress in quantifying chemical transfer and accumulation within the hive environment and developing effective mitigation strategies for toxic chemical co-exposures. To enhance the understanding of chemical fate and toxicity within the entire colony, it is crucial to consider both the intricate interactions among hive members and the potential synergistic effects arising from combinations of chemical and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amara K Pouv
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Julia D Fine
- Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 3026 Bee Biology Rd., Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sascha C T Nicklisch
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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12
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Pasquini E, Ferrante F, Passaponti L, Pavone FS, Costantini I, Baracchi D. Microplastics reach the brain and interfere with honey bee cognition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169362. [PMID: 38128669 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Scientific research on the impact of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial systems is still emerging, but it has confirmed adverse health effects in organisms exposed to plastics. Although recent studies have shown the toxicological effects of individual MPs polymers on honey bees, the effects of different polymer combinations on cognitive and behavioural performance remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of oral exposure to spherical MPs on cognitive performance and brain accumulation in the honey bee Apis mellifera. We evaluated the acute toxicity, after a two-day exposure, of polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) and plexiglass (Poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA - 1-40 μm) MPs, and a combination of the two (MIX), at two environmentally relevant and one higher concentration (0.5, 5 and 50 mg L-1) and analysed their effects on sucrose responsiveness and appetitive olfactory learning and memory. We also used fluorescent thermoset amino formaldehyde MPs (1-5 μm) to explore whether microspheres of this diameter could penetrate the insect blood-brain barrier (BBB), using Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy (TPFM) in combination with an optimized version of the DISCO clearing technique. The results showed that PS reduced sucrose responsiveness, while PMMA had no significant effect; however, the combination had a marked negative effect on sucrose responsiveness. PMMA, PS, and MIX impaired bee learning and memory in bees, with PS showing the most severe effects. 3D brain imaging analysis using TFPM showed that 1-5 μm MPs penetrated and accumulated in the brain after only three days of oral exposure. These results raise concerns about the potential mechanical, cellular, and biochemical damage that MPs may cause to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pasquini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Center for Mind/Brain Science (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Federico Ferrante
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 6 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Leonardo Passaponti
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via N. Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Costantini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via N. Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy.
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13
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Ritchie MW, Provencher JF, Allison JE, Muzzatti MJ, MacMillan HA. The digestive system of a cricket pulverizes polyethylene microplastics down to the nanoplastic scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123168. [PMID: 38104765 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) are a growing concern and a poorly understood threat to biota. We used a generalist insect (a cricket; Gryllodes sigillatus) to examine whether individuals would ingest and physically degrade MPs in their food. We fed crickets a range of concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 10% w/w) of fluorescent polyethylene MPs mixed into a standard diet and dissected the gut regions to isolate the MPs within. Comparing plastic content and fragment size within gut regions, we sought to identify whether and where crickets can fragment ingested MP particles. Given the digestive tract morphology of this species, we expected that the crickets would both ingest and egest the MPs. We also predicted that the MPs would be fragmented into smaller pieces during this digestive process. We found that G. sigillatus egested much smaller pieces than they ingested, and this fragmentation occurs early in the digestive process of this insect. We found this for both sexes as well as across the range of concentrations of MPs. The degree of plastic breakdown relative to plastic feeding time suggests that the ability to fragment MPs is intrinsic and not altered by how much time crickets have spent eating the plastics. The amount of plastics found in each region of the gut in relation to feeding time also suggests that this size and shape of PE microplastic does not cause any physical blockage in the gut. This lack of evidence for blockage is likely due to plastic breakdown. We found a ∼1000-fold reduction in plastic size occurs during passage through the digestive system, yielding particles very near nanoplastics (NPs; <1 μm), and likely smaller, that are then excreted back into the environment. These findings suggest that generalist insects can act as agents of plastic transformation in their environment if/when encountering MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall W Ritchie
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada; National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane E Allison
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Matthew J Muzzatti
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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14
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Cordova MR, Ulumuddin YI, Purbonegoro T, Puspitasari R, Rositasari R, Yogaswara D, Kaisupy MT, Wibowo SPA, Subandi R, Sani SY, Sulistiowati S, Nugraheni IK, Rahman L, Rahmawati, Al Rahmadhani S, Khoirunnisa TA, Nurhasanah, Muhtadi A, Lestari SP, Cragg SM. Abundance and characterization of microplastic pollution in the wildlife reserve, Ramsar site, recreational areas, and national park in northern Jakarta and Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 348:140761. [PMID: 37995977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study to evaluate the presence and distribution of microplastics in sediments in the regions with a unique degree of complexity, such as wildlife reserve areas, a Ramsar site that connects directly to Greater Jakarta's mainland, recreational islands, and a marine national park. Microplastics of varying sizes and shapes are found in all places, with an increase trend in the abundance toward areas near to the epicenter of human activity. Comparatively to other marine protected areas, the amount of microplastics discovered is comparable; however, there is an upward trend. Season influences microplastic accumulation, with the dry season causing the greater accumulation. Small-sized microplastics and microplastics resulting from large plastic fragments were predominantly discovered. The properties of microplastics in the study region are dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon. Additional in-depth research and waste reduction from all sources that involve all stakeholders are required to reduce the amount of contaminants entering the protected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Triyoni Purbonegoro
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rachma Puspitasari
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Rositasari
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Deny Yogaswara
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Taufik Kaisupy
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Singgih Prasetyo Adi Wibowo
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Riyana Subandi
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sofia Yuniar Sani
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - S Sulistiowati
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Intan Kusumastuti Nugraheni
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Lucky Rahman
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Rahmawati
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Safitri Al Rahmadhani
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Tyara Aprilani Khoirunnisa
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Nurhasanah
- Environmental Studies Graduate Program, Universitas Terbuka, Jl. Cabe Raya, Pondok Cabe, Pamulang Tangerang Selatan, 15418, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Muhtadi
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3, Medan, 20222, Indonesia
| | | | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Centre for Blue Governance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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15
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Fine JD, Cox-Foster DL, Moor KJ, Chen R, Avalos A. Trisiloxane Surfactants Negatively Affect Reproductive Behaviors and Enhance Viral Replication in Honey Bees. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:222-233. [PMID: 37861380 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Trisiloxane surfactants are often applied in formulated adjuvant products to blooming crops, including almonds, exposing the managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) used for pollination of these crops and persisting in colony matrices, such as bee bread. Despite this, little is known regarding the effects of trisiloxane surfactants on important aspects of colony health, such as reproduction. In the present study, we use laboratory assays to examine how exposure to field-relevant concentrations of three trisiloxane surfactants found in commonly used adjuvant formulations affect queen oviposition rates, worker interactions with the queen, and worker susceptibility to endogenous viral pathogens. Trisiloxane surfactants were administered at 5 mg/kg in pollen supplement diet for 14 days. No effects on worker behavior or physiology could be detected, but our results demonstrate that hydroxy-capped trisiloxane surfactants can negatively affect queen oviposition and methyl-capped trisiloxane surfactants cause increased replication of Deformed Wing Virus in workers, suggesting that trisiloxane surfactant use while honey bees are foraging may negatively impact colony longevity and growth. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:222-233. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Fine
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, California, USA
| | - Diana L Cox-Foster
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Kyle J Moor
- Utah Water Research Laboratory, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Ruiwen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arian Avalos
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Laboratory, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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16
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Willcox BK, Potts SG, Brown MJF, Alix A, Al Naggar Y, Chauzat MP, Costa C, Gekière A, Hartfield C, Hatjina F, Knapp JL, Martínez-López V, Maus C, Metodiev T, Nazzi F, Osterman J, Raimets R, Strobl V, Van Oystaeyen A, Wintermantel D, Yovcheva N, Senapathi D. Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18099. [PMID: 37872212 PMCID: PMC10593766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Managed bee species provide essential pollination services that contribute to food security worldwide. However, managed bees face a diverse array of threats and anticipating these, and potential opportunities to reduce risks, is essential for the sustainable management of pollination services. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe to identify emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, and this was shortlisted to 21 issues through the horizon scanning process. These ranged from local landscape-level management to geopolitical issues on a continental and global scale across seven broad themes-Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators & parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, and Political & trade influences. While we conducted this horizon scan within a European context, the opportunities and threats identified will likely be relevant to other regions. A renewed research and policy focus, especially on the highest-ranking issues, is required to maximise the value of these opportunities and mitigate threats to maintain sustainable and healthy managed bee pollinators within agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony K Willcox
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Anne Alix
- Corteva Agriscience, Regulatory and Stewardship Europe, Middle East and Africa, Abingdon, UK
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marie-Pierre Chauzat
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey Bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Chris Hartfield
- National Farmers' Union, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ, UK
| | - Fani Hatjina
- Department of Apiculture, Institute of Animal Science, ELGO 'DIMITRA', 63200, Nea Moudania, Greece
| | - Jessica L Knapp
- Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vicente Martínez-López
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Julia Osterman
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Risto Raimets
- Department of Plant Protection, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Dimitry Wintermantel
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
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17
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Shah S, Ilyas M, Li R, Yang J, Yang FL. Microplastics and Nanoplastics Effects on Plant-Pollinator Interaction and Pollination Biology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6415-6424. [PMID: 37068375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) contamination is an emerging environmental and public health concern, and these particles have been reported both in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the adverse effects of MNPs pollution on human, terrestrial, and aquatic animals, insects, and plants. In this perspective, we describe the adverse effects of MNPs particles on pollinator and plant health and discuss the mechanisms by which MNPs disrupt the pollination process. We discuss the evidence and integrate transcriptome studies to investigate the negative effects of MNPs on the molecular biology of pollination, which may cause delay or inhibit the pollination services. We conclude by addressing challenges to plant-pollinator health from MNPs pollution and argue that such harmful effects disrupt the communication between plant and pollinator for a successful pollination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakhawat Shah
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666316 Menglun, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100045 Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666316 Menglun, China
| | - Feng-Lian Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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18
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Rodrigues de Souza A, Bernardes RC, Barbosa WF, Viana TA, do Nascimento FS, Lima MAP, Martins GF. Ingestion of polystyrene microparticles impairs survival and defecation in larvae of Polistes satan (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58527-58535. [PMID: 36988811 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26695-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread pollutants of emerging concern, and the risks associated with their ingestion have been reported in many organisms. Terrestrial environments can be contaminated with MPs, and terrestrial organisms, including arthropods, are predisposed to the risk of ingesting MPs. In the current study, the larvae of the paper wasp Polistes satan were fed two different doses (6 mg or 16 mg at once) of polystyrene MPs (1.43 mm maximum length), and the effects of these treatments on immature development and survival till adult emergence were studied. Ingestion of the two doses resulted in mortality due to impaired defecation prior to pupation. The survival of larvae that ingested 16 mg of MPs was significantly lower than that of the control. The ingestion of 16 mg of MPs also reduced the adult emergence (11.4%) in comparison to the control (44.4%). MPs were not transferred from the larvae to the adults that survived. These findings demonstrate that MP ingestion can be detrimental to P. satan, e.g. larval mortality can decrease colony productivity and thus the worker force, and that MPs can potentially affect natural enemies that occur in crops, such as predatory social wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Rodrigues de Souza
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Wagner Faria Barbosa
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaís Andrade Viana
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fábio Santos do Nascimento
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MinasGerais, Brazil
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Al Naggar Y, Sayes CM, Collom C, Ayorinde T, Qi S, El-Seedi HR, Paxton RJ, Wang K. Chronic Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastic Fragments Has No Effect on Honey Bee Survival, but Reduces Feeding Rate and Body Weight. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11020100. [PMID: 36850975 PMCID: PMC9963634 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), in the form of fragments and fibers, were recently found in honey samples collected in Ecuador as well as in honey bees collected from Denmark and China. However, little is known about how MPs impact bee health. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the potential toxicity of irregularly shaped polystyrene (PS)-MP fragments on honey bee health. In the first experiment of its kind with honey bees, we chronically exposed bees with a well-established gut microbiome to small (27 ± 17 µm) or large (93 ± 25 µm) PS-MP fragments at varying concentrations (1, 10, 100 µg mL-1) for 14 days. Bee mortality, food consumption, and body weight were all studied. We found that chronic exposure to PS-MP fragments has no effect on honey bee survival, but reduced the feeding rate and body weight, particularly at 10 µg PS-MP fragments per mL, which may have long-term consequences for honey bee health. The findings of this study could assist in the risk assessment of MPs on pollinator health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Al Naggar
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Christie M. Sayes
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Clancy Collom
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Taiwo Ayorinde
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Suzhen Qi
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Hesham R. El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
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