Detection and Concentration of Neonicotinoids and Other Pesticides in Honey from Honey Bee Colonies Located in Regions That Differ in Agricultural Practices: Implications for Human and Bee Health

This is a preliminary study conducted to analyze the presence and concentration of pesticides in honey obtained from honey bee colonies located in two regions with managed ecosystems that differ in the intensity and technification of agricultural practices. Fourteen pesticides at variable concentrations were detected in 63% of the samples analyzed. The pesticides most frequently found at higher concentrations were insecticides (neonicotinoids, followed by organophosphates), herbicides, and fungicides. The number, frequency, and concentration of pesticides were higher in samples collected from hives located where intensive and highly-technified agriculture is practiced. Forty-three percent of the samples from that zone had residues of imidacloprid, compared with only 13% of the samples from the less-technified zone. Furthermore, 87.5% of those samples had imidacloprid concentrations that were above sublethal doses for honey bees (>0.25 ng/g) but that are not considered hazardous to human health by the European Commission. The results of this study suggest that honey can be used as a bioindicator of environmental contamination by pesticides, which highlights the need to continue monitoring contaminants in this product to determine the risks of pesticide impacts on pollinator health, on ecosystems, and on their potential implications to human health and other non-target organisms.

Automated summary

This preliminary study analyzes the presence and concentration of pesticides in honey obtained from honey bee colonies in two regions with different agricultural practices. The results show the detection of 14 pesticides in variable concentrations, with higher concentrations of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The study finds that intensive and highly-technified agriculture areas have a higher number, frequency, and concentration of pesticides, including residues of imidacloprid above sublethal doses for honey bees. The study suggests that honey can be used as a bioindicator for pesticide contamination and emphasizes the importance of monitoring contaminants in honey to assess the risks on pollinators, ecosystems, and human health.