Microplastic exposure reduced the defecation rate, altered digestive enzyme activities, and caused histological and ultracellular changes in the midgut tissues of the ground beetle (Blaps polychresta)

Journal of Insect Physiology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 158, С. 104697 - 104697

Опубликована: Авг. 17, 2024

Язык: Английский

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More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey

Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

The presence of microplastics in honey samples from a native Brazilian bee varied 0.1 to 2.6 particles per mL across urban and vegetated areas.

Язык: Английский

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Impact of Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics on the Biological Traits of the Japanese Carpenter Ant, Camponotus japonicus Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Insects, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 16(3), С. 292 - 292

Опубликована: Март 11, 2025

Insects, being among the most diverse and abundant organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, are inevitably exposed to ubiquitous micro- nanoplastic contaminants. Although studies on impact of these contaminants insects gradually emerging, they remain limited scope. In this study, we investigated biological traits (including foraging behavior, food assumption, digging ability, body weight survival) Japanese carpenter ant, Camponotus japonicus, response exposure polystyrene (PS-M/NP) solutions containing three particle sizes (0.05, 1 50 μm) four concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 mg/mL). The results showed that worker ants exhibited significant preference consumption for non-contaminated multiple-choice experiments, indicating C. japonicus can differentiate avoid feeding PS-M/NP-contaminated solutions. Meanwhile, PS-M/NPs significantly reduced ability no-choice with smallest size (0.05 highest concentration (50 mg/mL) resulting longest pre-foraging period, lowest percentage licking amount consumption. addition, sand removed by ants, survival a dramatic decline decrease size, increase prolonged time study confirm have an adverse effect time-dependent manner, small high longer key factors decreasing behavior insect.

Язык: Английский

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Revealing antagonistic interactions in the adverse effects of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) microplastics in bumblebees

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 292(2043)

Опубликована: Март 1, 2025

Microplastics pose a significant ecological threat, yet their actual impact on terrestrial ecosystems and organisms remains poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of two common microplastics, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polystyrene (PS), pollinator Bombus terrestris , exploring combined sublethal at three different concentrations (0.5, 5 50 mg l –1 ). PMMA PS single exposure reduced bee survival in concentration-dependent manner, whereas (MIX) had no effect. sucrose responsiveness, effect MIX enhanced it. Learning memory tests showed impaired mid-term early long-term bees exposed to PS, with effects. Interestingly, retention. Our findings emphasize differential individual microplastics bumblebee behaviour, suggesting potential risks survival, cognitive function possibly overall colony health, but also unexpected antagonistic interactions between these pollutants. The PS–PMMA highlight challenge assessing toxicity microplastics. Combined may not mirror PMMA, highlighting need for careful assessment polymer interactions, especially environments or contaminated by

Язык: Английский

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Bees and Microplastic Studies: A Systematic Review

Neotropical Entomology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 54(1)

Опубликована: Апрель 10, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Occurrence and evaluation of microplastics in honeys: Dietary intake and risk assessment

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. 107831 - 107831

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Microplastics reach the brain and interfere with honey bee cognition

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Авг. 7, 2023

Abstract Scientific research exploring the impact of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial systems is still at an early stage but has already confirmed that exposure to plastics leads various detrimental health effects several organisms. Although recent studies have shown toxicological single MP polymers on honey bees, different polymer combinations and their consequences cognitive behavioural performance remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated MPs, both individually combination, abilities bee Apis mellifera . We evaluated acute oral toxicity Polystyrene (PS) Plexiglass (PMMA) as well a combination two (MIX), three concentrations (0.5, 5 50 mg/L -1 ) analysed sucrose responsiveness appetitive olfactory learning memory. also explored whether these MPs could reach accumulate insect brain using Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy (TPFM) with optimized version DISCO clearing technique. The results revealed PS reduced foragers sucrose, whereas PMMA had no significant impact; however, pronounced negative effect responsiveness. In addition, PS, MIX, impaired formation memory retrieval, exhibiting most severe effects. Regarding our imaging analysis performed TFPM, found after only days exposure, penetrate brain. These raise concerns about potential mechanical, cellular, biochemical damage may cause central nervous system.

Язык: Английский

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Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 13(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 23, 2023

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, potential opportunities reduce risks, is for the sustainable management services. We conducted horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe identify emerging in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, this was shortlisted 21 through process. These ranged local landscape-level geopolitical on continental global scale seven broad themes-Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, Political trade influences. While we scan within context, identified will likely be relevant other regions. A renewed research policy focus, especially highest-ranking issues, required maximise value these mitigate maintain healthy pollinators

Язык: Английский

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Unravelling the microplastic menace: different polymers work in synergy to increase bee vulnerability

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 8, 2024

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are growing and ubiquitous environmental pollutants represent one of the greatest contemporary challenges caused by human activities. Current research has predominantly examined singular toxicological effects individual polymers, neglecting prevailing reality organisms confronted with complex contaminant mixtures potential synergistic effects. To fill this gap, we investigated lethal sublethal two common MPs, polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA 1-40 μm), their combination (MIX), on pollinating insect Apis mellifera . For each treatment, evaluated oral toxicity ecologically relevant higher concentration (0.5, 5 50 mg/L) analysed immune system worker survival. As activation can alter cuticular hydrocarbon profile honey bees, used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate whether MPs lead changes in chemical foragers behavioural assay test such affect patterns social recognition, undermining overall colony integrity. The results indicate a negative effect PS PMMA bee survival response, even at concentrations. Furthermore, alterations cuticle profiles were observed both highest intermediate concentrations, being mainly responsible. Both exposure resulted reduction abundance several compounds. Hive entry guards did not show increased inspection or aggressive behaviour towards exposed foragers, allowing them enter without treated differently from uncontaminated foragers. These findings raise concerns only for health but also entire colony, which could be risk if contaminated nestmates undetected, spread throughout hive.

Язык: Английский

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Underexplored food safety hazards of beekeeping products: Key knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research

Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 23(5)

Опубликована: Авг. 13, 2024

These days, a growing consumer demand and scientific interest can be observed for nutraceuticals of natural origin, including apiculture products. Due to the emphasis on environmental protection, extensive research has been conducted pesticide heavy metal contamination bee products; however, less attention is devoted other food safety aspects. In our review, information less-researched hazards honey, bread, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax are summarized. Bee products originating from certain plants may inherently contain phytotoxins, like pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane matrine grayanotoxins, gelsemium or tutin. Several case studies evidence that induce allergic responses sensitive individuals, varying mild severe symptoms, potentially lethal anaphylaxis. Exposure high temperature long storage lead formation toxic 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Persistent organic pollutants, radionuclides, microplastics transferred contaminated sources. And lastly, inappropriate beekeeping practices with harmful microorganisms mycotoxins. Our review demonstrates necessity applying good in order protect honeybees consumers their An important aim work identify key knowledge gaps regarding

Язык: Английский

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