Karla Fernanda Sanches Rodrigues, Bárbara Rani‑Borges, Rômulo Augusto Ando, Ivana Barbosa Suffredini, Welber Senteio Smith
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants
across all environmental compartments,
with the atmosphere garnering significant attention in
recent years due to its role as a crucial receptor and
transporter of numerous pollutants. Deposition of
these particles can occur via dry or humid processes,
and their presence has been documented in areas far
removed from urban and industrial centers, suggesting
long-distance transport of MPs. Much of this
transport is facilitated by air masses, which move in
tandem with prevailing winds; however, pollinating
insects, notably bees, also contribute to this dissemination
as they encounter these particles during flight
and foraging activities. Thus, the present study aimed
to implement an established protocol for MP analysis
in bees of the species Apis mellifera, given the limited
research in this area within Brazil, and to ascertain
whether a contamination gradient exists across three
sampling sites (urban, periurban, and rural areas). A
total of 505 particles were discovered across the three
areas, comprising 307 fibers, 137 fragments, and
sixty-one filaments. The PCA analysis indicated that
the bees of the four hives located in the urban area
and the bees of the two hives located in the peri-urban
area had a higher amount of internal microplastic particles.
Through the chemical analysis of the particles,
30 spectra were obtained, 13 polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), 11 polyamide (PA), 4 polyethylene (PE),
1 polyester (PL) and 1 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were
identified.
Pollinators, Contamination, Bio sampling, Aero porters
