More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey

Author(s):Show less -

Rani-Borges, Barbara ; Arena, Mariana Victorino Nicolosi ; Gomes, Ingrid Naiara ; Lins, Luis Henrique Franca de Carvalho ; Cestaro, Livia de Souza Camargo ; Pompeo, Marcelo ; Ando, Romulo Augusto ; Alves-dos-Santos, Isabel ; Toppa, Rogerio Hartung ; Martines, Marcos Roberto ; Queiroz, Lucas Goncalves

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS; v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2024-07-29.

Abstract

Honey, traditionally known as a pure and natural substance, has become an unexpected reservoir for microplastic contamination. This study consisted of an experimental investigation to assess the occurrence of microplastics in honey produced by Melipona quadrifasciata, a native bee species in Brazil. Our investigation covers eight areas (one sample per area), including built and vegetated areas located in S & atilde;o Paulo city, Brazil, to understand the distribution of microplastics in these environments. Honey samples (10 mL) were collected using a syringe and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Microplastics extracted from honey samples were characterized under a stereomicroscope to determine their size, color, and morphology. Also, the polymer type was determined by FTIR analysis. All honey samples (100%) showed microplastics. The predominant particles displayed a fiber shape with a size below 299 mu m and a transparent color and were primarily composed of polypropylene. Their concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per mL of honey, raising concerns about their potential impact on bee populations and human consumers. This study underscores the need for further research on the sources and implications of microplastic contamination in Melipona quadrifasciata honey, shedding light on the broader issue of environmental plastic pollution and its impact on pollinators. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/10875-0 - Landscape evaluation for stingless bee nest maintenance and honey quality in urban areas
• Grantee: Mariana Victorino Nicolosi Arena
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/15586-0 - Monitoring and characterization of microplastics photoaging combining vibrational spectroscopy approaches and toxic potential evolution
• Grantee: Bárbara Rani Borges
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral