Detection of the insecticide substance acetamiprid in honey bee population components under realistic field conditions.

Abstract

The study investigates the transfer of pesticides from crops to the beehive and its individual components. Two categories were examined: bee products (pollen pellets, beebread, and honey) and living biological materials (forager bees, nurse bees, and larvae). Pesticide residues were detected, with varying concentrations across different time points and sample types. Pollen pellets showed the highest initial contamination, rapidly declining thereafter. Beebread displayed gradual and persistent residue accumulation, whereas honey had a delayed contamination peak and slower degradation. In living biological materials, forager and nurse bees showed significant initial contamination, rapidly decreasing over time. Larvae consistently showed minimal residues, indicating effective colony protective mechanisms. Statistical analysis confirmed time as a key factor influencing residue dynamics, highlighting different metabolic and exposure pathways. The results highlight the complexity of pesticide dynamics within bee colonies, emphasizing the importance of continuous environmental monitoring to protect bee health.