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

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 São 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 μm 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.

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

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
09 מאי 2024
Accepted
14 יול 2024
First published
29 יול 2024

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2024, Advance Article

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

B. Rani-Borges, M. V. N. Arena, I. N. Gomes, L. H. F. D. C. Lins, L. D. S. C. Cestaro, M. Pompêo, R. A. Ando, I. Alves-dos-Santos, R. H. Toppa, M. R. Martines and L. G. Queiroz, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4EM00262H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements