Vetnews | Mei 2025 16 « BACK TO CONTENTS that the larvae that received these treatments showed an increase in body weight compared to the control group and that the walking behaviour of the adult bees was also differentiated from the control, as well as changes in the blood cell count, specifically in the proportion of plasma cells and prohemocytes of the treated individuals; thus, the authors suggest that even at low levels of exposure to MPs or metallic nanoparticles they harm the health and behaviour of the species studied. Apiarian‑Trap, bees and pollen Cortés-Corrales et al. (2024) evaluated the presence of MPs in hives of the genus Apis, as well as in pollen samples, and developed a device designed for the long-term collection of atmospheric PMs. The device, named APITrap (Apiarian-Trap), functions independently of electricity and is resistant to adverse weather conditions. It is a wooden structure covered with a stainless-steel mesh, with a 2 mm clearance where adhesive sheets of polyvinyl acetate (40 × 25 cm) are inserted. The device is installed inside the hives for 2 weeks to collect MPs. The study was conducted over four consecutive surveillance campaigns in five apiaries across Denmark, each 100 km apart, covering a range of environmental pollution scenarios, from highly agricultural areas to regions with natural forests or organic cultivation. In addition to the samples collected using APITrap, bees and pollen samples were directly collected in glass jars. After following experimental protocols specific to each sample type, the PMs found were classified based on their morphology, colour, and chemical composition through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy microanalysis. The results indicated that APITrap functioned effectively without causing negative impacts on the bees. Sampling yielded 39 to 67 particles in APITrap, 6 to 9 in bees, and 6 to 11 in pollen samples. In APITrap, fibers were the most prevalent morphology at 91%, followed by fragments at 5%, and films at 4%. The chemical characterization revealed the presence of at least five polymers, listed in decreasing order of prevalence: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and polyamide (PA). In contrast, fibres accounted for 55% of bees and 76% of pollen, while fragments constituted 30% of bees and 22% of pollen. The authors emphasize that the results obtained using APITrap are consistent with findings from other studies, such as those by Dris et al. (2017) and Li et al. (2020). However, they note significant differences from a recent study by Edo et al. (2021), also conducted in Denmark, which found a predominance of fragments (52%) followed by fibres (38%). The authors suggest that this discrepancy could be attributed to differences in sampling locations, with Edo et al. (2021) focusing primarily on urban centres. They further underscore that APITrap offers a comprehensive and reliable method for long-term monitoring studies, providing valuable data over extended periods. Microplastic contamination in the agri‑food chain Schiano et al. (2024) conducted a study to assess the presence of particulate matter (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) in A. mellifera bees and their products across areas with varying levels of urbanization in southern Italy. To identify the sampling locations, the authors developed a specific environmental index. This index was designed using multiple criteria and sub-criteria, allowing for a structured and weighted evaluation of environmental variables crucial to beekeeping practices and the interaction between bees and particulate matter. The authors collected A. mellifera bees using special cages known as under-basket cages, which are typically used to assess bee mortality both inside and outside the hives. These cages are installed under the hive boxes to collect dead bees that fall from the colonies during specific periods. Honey samples were gathered directly from the combs inside the hives and stored in glass jars, while pollen was collected using pollen devices commonly employed in commercial beekeeping to harvest pollen. After collecting the samples, the researchers performed specific laboratory procedures for each type of material to measure and classify the particles found based on their morphology. Subsequently, chemical characterization was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with the Nicolet iMX 10™ (Thermo Fisher Scientific). This system was equipped with an ultrafast motorized stage and a mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector, which was cooled using liquid nitrogen, to ensure precise identification of the particle composition. The results revealed that the microplastics (MPs) found in bees were distributed uniformly across their bodies, with a notable concentration in the wings and proboscis (part of the bee used to collect nectar from flowers). Regarding pollen, analysis under an optical microscope revealed contamination, primarily by MFs. For honey, the study is groundbreaking as it represents the first investigation to detect the presence of MPs and MFs in natural honey (other studies analyze the honey after processing or packaging for commercialization). The authors highlight that in the areas studied, bees were primarily contaminated by polyester (polyethylene terephthalate—PET), polyamide (PA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and polyurethane (PU). In contrast, the honey samples showed contamination by polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), and polyvinyl stearate (PVS). Additionally, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was detected, which the authors considered an air contaminant likely captured by bees during foraging since PTFE was only found in honey samples from two specific sampling points. This work was also the first to identify the presence of polycaprolactone (PCL) in agrifood samples (honey). Previously, PCL had only been found in sludge and surface waters of the Mediterranean (Suaria et al. 2016). This finding serves as a critical warning about the management of biodegradable materials since they can pose environmental risks if they are not properly managed at the end of their useful life. Microplastics in bee products Liebezeit and Liebezeit (2015) discussed the origin of synthetic particles in 47 honey samples from supermarkets and small beekeepers in Germany; 12 types of this product were evaluated in Leading Article
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