Honeybees as sentinels of microplastic pollution: a metaanalysis of accumulation, toxicity, and biomonitoring potential

Abstract:Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size have become a global environmental concern, infiltrating various ecosystems, including those inhabited by honeybees. Here, we synthesized, with a PRISMA approach, the evidence from 139 peer-reviewed studies to critically evaluate (1) the presence of MPs in honeybees and their hive products, such as honey, wax and pollen, (2) the lethal and sublethal effects of MPs in honeybees that in turn potentially impair their pollination services and food security, and (3) given their extensive foraging range and sensitivity to environmental changes, honeybees can serve as effective bioindicators for monitoring MPs pollution. By analyzing the presence of MPs in bees and their hive products, researchers can assess the level of environmental contamination in a given area. Advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, are used for their precision in MPs detection. This review proposes a standardized honeybee-based biomonitoring framework to integrate MPs data into predictive models. Future research must refine MPs detection methodologies, assess chronic
exposure impacts on honeybee populations, and translate findings into actionable policy interventions, reinforcing the “One Health” paradigm. In summary, we believe that the interaction between honeybees and MPs is a growing area of research. Understanding how MPs accumulate in bees and their products, assessing the potential health effects on bee populations, and utilizing bees as environmental monitors are crucial steps toward addressing the broader implications of MPs pollution on ecosystems and agriculture.

Publication year:2025

Keywords:Animal sciences

Review status:Peer-reviewed