RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Honeybees as active bioindicators of plastic pollution: Environmental exposure, analytical strategies, and monitoring perspectives
A1 De La Fuente Ballesteros, Adrián
A1 Ciulu, Marco
A1 Haque, Shaikh Manirul
A1 Syrgabek, Yerkanat
A1 Basaran, Burhan
K1 Honeybees
K1 Bioindicator
K1 Microplastic
K1 Environmental monitoring
K1 Environmental pollution
K1 Analytical methods
K1 2301 Química Analítica
AB 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.
PB Elsevier
SN 0048-9697
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/79690
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/79690
LA eng
NO Science of The Total Environment, 2025, vol. 1003, p. 180722
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 14-nov-2025