Honeybees as active bioindicators of plastic pollution: Environmental exposure, analytical strategies, and monitoring perspectives
Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 180722 |
| Journal | Science of the Total Environment |
| Volume | 1003 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISSN | 0048-9697 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10.11.2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
- Analytical methods, Bioindicator, Environmental monitoring, Environmental pollution, Honeybees, Microplastic
- Chemistry
Research areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Chemistry
- Waste Management and Disposal
- Pollution
