Bees reflect better on their ecosystem health than their products

Abstract

Beehives constitute a source of environmental contaminants because forager bees explore their habitat and unintentionally accumulate them while foraging for food. Therefore, this review paper investigated different bee species and products from 55 countries to identify how they can help environmental biomonitoring by giving an overview of the past 11 years. Thereby is presented in this study the beehive's use as a bioindicator for metals, analytical techniques, data analysis, environmental compartments, common inorganic contaminants, reference thresholds for some metal concentrations in bees and honey, and other factors over more than 100 references. Most authors agree that the honey bee is a suitable bioindicator to assess toxic metal contamination, and among its products, propolis, pollen, and beeswax are more suited than honey. However, in some situations, when comparing bees with their products, bees are more efficient as potential environmental biomonitors. Some factors such as the colony location, floral sources, regional effects, and activities surrounding the apiary influence the bees, and the composition of their products is reflected by alterations in their chemical profile, making them suitable bioindicators.

Keywords: Apiary products; Apis mellifera; Bioindicator; Degree of pollution; Stingless bee; Toxic metal.