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VOL. 10, ISSUE 6 (2025)
Eco toxicological impact of particulate matter on Apis mellifera (Honey Bees)
Authors
Bhupesh Gupta, Sangeeta sharma
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) play a crucial
role as pollinators, supporting biodiversity and global food security by
helping many flowering plants and crops reproduce. Unfortunately, their
populations are facing a decline due to various environmental pressures, with
one often overlooked factor being air pollution, particularly particulate
matter (PM). This PM—especially the fine particles known as PM2.5 and
PM10—comes from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning,
and it carries harmful substances like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Honey bees encounter PM both through the air and by
ingesting contaminated pollen, nectar, and water. This exposure can lead to
oxidative stress, a weakened immune system, neurological issues, and changes in
behavior that interfere with their foraging, navigation, and communication
abilities, which can ultimately harm the health of their colonies and increase
the chances of colony collapse. The negative effects of PM also affect crop
pollination, which in turn threatens food production and the stability of
ecosystems. Despite rising concerns, there's still limited research on how PM
impacts pollinators. Future studies need to take a comprehensive approach,
incorporating long-term field studies and molecular investigations, to grasp
the combined effects of PM and other pollutants. It’s vital to enhance air
quality policies and conservation strategies focused on pollinators to ensure
the survival of bee populations and the essential ecological services
they deliver.
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Pages:151-155
How to cite this article:
Bhupesh Gupta, Sangeeta sharma "Eco toxicological impact of particulate matter on <i>Apis mellifera</i> (Honey Bees)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 6, 2025, Pages 151-155
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