Environmental Pollution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
350, P. 124046 - 124046
Published: April 25, 2024
Recent
research
has
highlighted
the
potential
of
honeybees
and
bee
products
as
biological
samplers
for
monitoring
xenobiotic
pollutants.
However,
effectiveness
these
in
tracking
microplastics
(MPs)
not
yet
been
explored.
This
study
evaluates
several
methods
sampling
MPs,
using
honeybees,
pollen,
a
novel
in-hive
passive
sampler
named
APITrap.
The
collected
samples
were
characterized
stereomicroscopy
to
count
categorise
MPs
by
morphology,
colour,
type.
To
chemical
identification,
micro-Fourier
transform-infrared
(FTIR)
spectroscopy
was
employed
determine
polymer
types.
conducted
across
four
consecutive
surveillance
programmes,
five
different
apiaries
Denmark.
Our
findings
indicated
that
APITrap
demonstrated
better
reproducibility,
with
lower
variation
results
39%,
compared
111%
honeybee
97%
pollen
samples.
Furthermore,
use
no
negative
impact
on
bees
can
be
easily
applied
successive
samplings.
average
number
detected
studies
ranged
from
39
67
APITrap,
6
9
samples,
11
Fibres
most
frequently
found,
accounting
an
91%
total
similar
values
fragments
(5%)
films
(4%).
predominantly
coloured
black,
blue,
green
red.
Spectroscopy
analysis
confirmed
presence
up
synthetic
polymers.
Polyethylene
terephthalate
(PET)
common
case
fibres
similarly
polypropylene
(PP),
polyethylene
(PE),
polyacrylonitrile
(PAN)
polyamide
(PA)
non
fibrous
MPs.
study,
based
citizen
science
supported
beekeepers,
highlights
potencial
accumulate
beehives.
It
also
shows
provides
highly
reliable
comprehensive
approach
large-scale
studies.
Life,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(3), P. 357 - 357
Published: Feb. 24, 2025
Microplastics
have
been
detected
in
various
human
organs,
and
studies
on
their
impact
health
are
ongoing.
However,
few
researched
microplastics
the
cervicovaginal
area.
In
this
study,
we
aimed
to
assess
presence
lavage
fluid.
This
prospective
study
was
conducted
at
a
single
tertiary
medical
center,
enrolling
10
participants
aged
27–49
years.
Human
fluid
samples
were
collected
from
patients
by
skilled
obstetrician.
Raman
spectroscopy
used
analyze
characterize
microplastic
particles
samples.
Ninety-one
More
than
50%
of
identified
patient
who
regularly
menstrual
cups.
The
mean
number
9.10
±
14.96
per
g
sample.
Most
<50
μm
size,
polypropylene
polystyrene
most
predominant
types.
analysis
fluids,
suggesting
that
area
is
exposed
microplastics.
varied
significantly
among
individuals.
highlights
need
for
further
research
effects
female
reproductive
system
using
Environmental Pollution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
350, P. 124046 - 124046
Published: April 25, 2024
Recent
research
has
highlighted
the
potential
of
honeybees
and
bee
products
as
biological
samplers
for
monitoring
xenobiotic
pollutants.
However,
effectiveness
these
in
tracking
microplastics
(MPs)
not
yet
been
explored.
This
study
evaluates
several
methods
sampling
MPs,
using
honeybees,
pollen,
a
novel
in-hive
passive
sampler
named
APITrap.
The
collected
samples
were
characterized
stereomicroscopy
to
count
categorise
MPs
by
morphology,
colour,
type.
To
chemical
identification,
micro-Fourier
transform-infrared
(FTIR)
spectroscopy
was
employed
determine
polymer
types.
conducted
across
four
consecutive
surveillance
programmes,
five
different
apiaries
Denmark.
Our
findings
indicated
that
APITrap
demonstrated
better
reproducibility,
with
lower
variation
results
39%,
compared
111%
honeybee
97%
pollen
samples.
Furthermore,
use
no
negative
impact
on
bees
can
be
easily
applied
successive
samplings.
average
number
detected
studies
ranged
from
39
67
APITrap,
6
9
samples,
11
Fibres
most
frequently
found,
accounting
an
91%
total
similar
values
fragments
(5%)
films
(4%).
predominantly
coloured
black,
blue,
green
red.
Spectroscopy
analysis
confirmed
presence
up
synthetic
polymers.
Polyethylene
terephthalate
(PET)
common
case
fibres
similarly
polypropylene
(PP),
polyethylene
(PE),
polyacrylonitrile
(PAN)
polyamide
(PA)
non
fibrous
MPs.
study,
based
citizen
science
supported
beekeepers,
highlights
potencial
accumulate
beehives.
It
also
shows
provides
highly
reliable
comprehensive
approach
large-scale
studies.
