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HomeArticlesMultiple pesticide residues in live and poisoned honeybees – Preliminary exposure assessment

Multiple pesticide residues in live and poisoned honeybees – Preliminary exposure assessment

Study combines data about the exposure of honeybees to pesticides from plant protection products and veterinary medicinal products. Residues of 200 pesticide and pesticide metabolites in 343 live and 74 poisoned honeybee samples, obtained during the years of 2014–2015, were determined by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. In 44% of live honeybee 48 different pesticide residues were found, mainly amitraz metabolites (DMF, DMPF) and chlorpyrifos. In 98% of poisoned honeybee 57 pesticides and metabolites were detected, mainly chlorpyrifos, dimethoate and clothianidin. In total 84 different pesticides were detected both in live and poisoned honeybees, they indicate 30 various modes of action. Differences between mean number of pesticide residues detected in live and poisoned honeybees clearly indicate the impact of multiple pesticides on honeybee health. Possible impact of systemic fungicides on the health of honeybees was studied. Applicability of hazard quotient counted as ratio between concentration of pesticides in honeybees and lethal dose in the interpretation whether detected concentration indicates acute toxic effects was shown.

Kiljanek, T., Niewiadowska, A., Gaweł, M., Semeniuk, S., Borzęcka, M., Posyniak, A., Pohorecka, K., 2017. Multiple pesticide residues in live and poisoned honeybees – Preliminary exposure assessment. Chemosphere175, 36-44.

https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1UZdWAOM9hdai
COLOSS Association
COLOSS Associationhttps://coloss.org/
COLOSS (Prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) is an international, non-profit association headquartered in Bern, Switzerland that is focussed on improving the well-being of bees at a global level. We are composed of scientific professionals that include researchers, veterinarians, agriculture extension specialists and students. We understand that cooperation and open dialogue are key to better understanding the reasons why bee populations are threatened in today’s world.