Honeybees as active bioindicators of plastic pollution: Environmental exposure, analytical strategies, and monitoring perspectives

Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

Authors

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) has emerged as a valuable bioindicator for environmental pollution due to its morphological and behavioural traits, wide distribution, short life cycle, high reproductive rate, and ease of domestication. Through their extensive foraging activity, bees interact with multiple environmental compartments. They are increasingly exposed to a wide range of contaminants, including plastic-related compounds. In this work, we examine the potential of honeybees as active samplers of plastic pollution and identify the main exposure pathways. A brief overview of current sampling approaches, sample preparation techniques, and analytical strategies for detecting plastic contaminants is also presented. This study offers practical insights for beekeepers and policymakers to promote more sustainable hive management practices that reduce plastic exposure. Finally, we emphasize the need for harmonized methodologies, expanded geographic monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration, alongside the adoption of greener and standardized analytical techniques to improve detection accuracy and mitigate environmental impact.

Original languageEnglish
Article number180722
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume1003
Number of pages10
ISSN0048-9697
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.11.2025
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors

    Research areas

  • Analytical methods, Bioindicator, Environmental monitoring, Environmental pollution, Honeybees, Microplastic
  • Chemistry