Microplastics (in the form of fragments or fibers) have been found in honey bees and honey samples. In a paper published in January this year, researchers showed that exposure to MP’s may not affect their survival, but does impact on the rate at which honey bees feed, and their body weight – which may have long-term consequences for their overall health and that of the colony.
You would not have thought that microplastics and honey bees were in any way connected, and yet, they are. This perfectly demonstrates how we need to ensure we have a unified and integrated approach to achieving sustainability for humans, animals, and our ecosystems.
According to the research paper: “In the past ten years, attention to the emerging pollutant of microplastics (MPs) has increased, and they are now known to be present in a wide range of environmental matrices, including the air, soil, and water.”
Understanding microplastics and honey bees
The paper continues that “Pollinators are inextricably linked to the natural environment and modern food production; they maintain a healthy, genetically diverse plant ecosystem, are essential for crop pollination, and are thus critical to food security for many human populations around the world…Honey bees actively interact with plants, air, soil, and water near the hive and, as a result, pollutants from these sources are transferred into honey bees and hive products. Indeed, honey bees come into contact with every environmental compartment while collecting nectar, honeydew, pollen, and other plant exudates. If MPs pollute the nearby compartments, they will eventually be acquired by honey bees and enter hive products.”
READ FULL RESEARCH PAPER HEREWorld Environment Day 2023 focuses our attention on the reduction of single-use plastic. Join us and commit to more sustainable alternatives. Beating plastic pollution will support the health of honey bees and the role they play in protecting our 125-million-year-old legacy.
Indeed, the discovery of microplastics in honey bees and honey samples highlights the interconnectedness of various environmental issues and the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustainability. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly unrelated factors can have unintended consequences on ecosystems and organisms.
The fact that exposure to microplastics affects the feeding behavior and body weight of honey bees suggests potential long-term implications for their overall health and the health of their colonies. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many plant species and the maintenance of diverse ecosystems. Any negative impacts on honey bees can have cascading effects on the ecological balance and food production.
To address such complex challenges, it is essential to adopt an integrated approach to sustainability that considers the interconnected nature of environmental, social, and economic factors. This approach involves understanding the interdependencies between different systems, recognizing the potential impacts of human activities, and working towards solutions that promote the well-being of humans, animals, and ecosystems.
It also emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, industries, and individuals to address issues like microplastic pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental concerns. By fostering cooperation and integrating knowledge from various disciplines, we can develop comprehensive strategies and policies that safeguard the health and sustainability of our planet.
UNDERSTANDING INTERDEPENDeNCIES
A powerful example of the need for a unified and integrated approach to sustainability.
Furthermore, this interconnectedness underscores the importance of individual actions in promoting sustainability. Each person’s choices and behaviours, such as reducing plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, and supporting sustainable practices, can contribute to a collective effort to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity.
In summary, the discovery of microplastics in honey bees and honey samples serves as a powerful example of the need for a unified and integrated approach to sustainability. By recognizing the interconnectedness of different environmental factors and fostering collaboration and individual responsibility, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all living organisms.
Research paper referred:
Chronic Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastic Fragments Has No Effect on Honey Bee Survival, but Reduces Feeding Rate and Body Weight
by Yahya Al Naggar 1,2, Christie M. Sayes 3, Clancy Collom 3, Taiwo Ayorinde 3, Suzhen Qi 4, Hesham R. El-Seedi 5,6, Robert J. Paxton 1 andKai Wang 4
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General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
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Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
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Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt