Vetnuus | May 2025 9 They are classified as micro (0.001–5 mm) and nano-plastics (1–1000 nm) (Vitali et al. 2022). Microplastics (MPs) have been discussed as an emerging class of air pollutants due to being transported over long distances through the wind or vectors such as bees (Cunningham et al. 2022) or are created in smaller sizes, The relationship between plants and pollinators is considered one of the most important ecological interactions within the animalplant category. In the absence of pollinators, many plants would be unable to release seeds and reproduce. Similarly, the absence of pollen, nectar, and other floral resources would lead to a decrease in pollinator populations, indirectly affecting other species in the trophic chain (Oliveira et al. 2024). Bees, in their different levels of sociality (Michener 2007), are responsible for providing one of the most vital pollination services to maintain ecosystems (Nowak et al. 2021). Approximately 90% of flowers, whether native or cultivated species are pollinated by biotic vectors such as insects, birds, and mammals, animals that can satisfactorily affect the production of about 75% of global crops by increasing fruit set, productivity, and quality (Ollerton et al. 2011; Lopes et al. 2021). Brazilian surveys (BPBES/REBIPP 2019) found that approximately 289 plant species are linked to human food and that there are data on the pollination mechanism of 191 of these species, of which biotic agents pollinate at least 148, from which bees pollinate 66.3%. The unsustainable use of natural resources and the degradation of ecosystems have caused approximately 75 to 95% of the biosphere to be altered by anthropogenic actions, resulting in significant impacts on fauna and flora (Wagner et al. 2021). Among the endangered animals are bees, whose population declines are attributed to factors such as climate change, incorrect and excessive use of pesticides, destruction of the landscape by deforestation and fires, transmission of pathogens, and contact with invasive species, among others (Mathiasson and Rehan 2020; LeBuhn and Vargas Luna 2021). Wang et al. (2021) report a significant reduction in the diversity of the gut microbiota of individuals exposed to MPs, as well as changes in the expression of antioxidant enzymes and genes associated with the immune system. Additionally, Viana et al. (2023) observe changes in the walking behavior of bees treated with MPs. MacIvor and Moore (2013) also note how bees can carry such contaminants to the hives as material for building their nests, while Alma et al. (2023) report the incorporation of MPs into honey, wax, and larvae within the colony. It can be assumed that contamination by microplastics may have consequences for the health of bees and consequently interfere with the efficiency of the ecosystem services they provide, such as pollination. This can potentially lead to long-term environmental imbalance. Moreover, changes in the microbiota can interfere with the conversion of nectar into honey, as many microorganisms play a role in this process. Because of this, the present work sought to carry out a systematic review of the literature between the years 2000 and 2024, following predetermined selection and exclusion criteria, seeking to evaluate the development of the scientific scenario regarding the existence of studies that correlate the microplastics with bees or their products, like honey, pollen, propolis, and wax. Material and methods Van Dinter et al. (2021) indicate that in general, the collection, extraction, and synthesis of the data obtained during the SLR are tasks performed highly manually and, therefore, are prone to errors and very laborious. However, the authors point out that many researchers have recently developed some approaches that seek to automate the steps of the SLR process, through software and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The present work sought to carry out a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) between the years 2000 and 2024, following predetermined selection and exclusion criteria, seeking to evaluate the development of the scientific scenario regarding the existence of works that correlate the microplastics with bees or their products, like honey. For the selection, electronic databases were used (Google Scholar, Scielo, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science), and preselected keywords in Portuguese (abelha, microplástico), English (bee, microplastic), and Spanish (abejas, microplasticos). All articles with the keywords were exported to the software Start 3.0.0., which allows the graphical organizing of the works according to the selection and exclusion criteria adopted in the software’s protocol guide. The selection criteria: I – being a primary study; II – dealing exclusively with bees/bee products; III – being written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The exclusion criteria: I – being a preprint; II – being a gray literature: abstracts, books, thesis, dissertations, review articles (Fig. 1). Initially, the review articles would be removed from the final survey, since articles of this type were included in the exclusion criteria. However, after thorough analysis, it was decided that such articles be included in the result, because they are quite frequent during the survey research and because they are very comprehensive after a more careful reading. Results According to the pre-established criteria, 920 papers were found, of which 28 were rejected because they were duplicate papers. In the first selection stage, 786 papers were rejected for not meeting at least one of the established selection criteria or for presenting words with the prefix “-bee,” such as the verbal structure “been.” Thus, 108 works were selected for a second, more careful selection stage, as they presented the keywords throughout the document. In this second stage of selection, 75 articles were rejected. Although most contained at least one of the keywords, they did not relate the subjects of bees and microplastics together, instead addressing these topics in isolation. Additionally, some articles focused on microplastics in relation to other organisms or on bees in relation to other contaminants. At the end of the selection process, 33 articles were accepted, since they presented specific relationships between the keywords of the protocol. All published articles were written in English (Fig. 2) The publication each. Of the 33 selected works, 24 dealt with bees and microplastics (sixteen primary studies, eight reviews), from which the primary publications addressed various subjects, such as changes in the immune system and risks of viral infections, changes in the microbiota, effects on the health and Leading Article
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