Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in Brazilian honey

Glyphosate (GLY) is the most widely used herbicide in the world and studies have shown that its exposure at sublethal doses has led to reduced sensitivity and decreased associative memory in bees. Thus, a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector with derivatisation reaction was used to determine residues of GLY and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in Brazilian honey. The method met the validation criteria of the European Union (EU) SANTE 11813/2017 guideline and showed a limit of quantitation of 0.04 mu g g(-1) for both GLY and AMPA. Residues of these compounds were quantitated in honey samples from five Brazilian States. Six samples showed GLY levels above the EU maximum residue limit (0.05 mu g g(-1)) and one sample showed AMPA at 0.10 mu g g(-1). This study indicates the presence of GLY residues in honey from regions that have had high losses of bee colonies and at the same time, frequent use of GLY in agriculture.

Automated summary

The study found residues of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in Brazilian honey, with some samples showing glyphosate levels exceeding the EU maximum residue limit. This indicates a potential impact on bee populations in regions with high losses of bee colonies and frequent use of glyphosate in agriculture.