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

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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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS; v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2024-07-29.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/10875-0 - Avaliação da paisagem para a manutenção de ninhos de abelhas sem ferrão e a qualidade de mel em áreas urbanas
• Beneficiário: Mariana Victorino Nicolosi Arena
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 22/15586-0 - Monitoramento e caracterização de fotoenvelhecimento de microplásticos combinando abordagens de espectroscopia vibracional e evolução do potencial tóxico
• Beneficiário: Bárbara Rani Borges
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado