Occurrence of Neonicotinoids in Chinese Apiculture and a Corresponding Risk Exposure Assessment

Abstract

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides worldwide, but there is mounting evidence demonstrating that they have adverse effects on nontarget organisms. However, little is known about the extent of environmental neonicotinoids contamination in China. In this study, a total of 693 honey samples from across China, from both Apis melifera and Apis cerana, were analyzed to examine neonicotinoid concentrations and their geographical distribution, and correlation with the primary plant species from which the honey was obtained. Furthermore, chronic and acute exposure risk and risk ranking for humans eating honey were investigated, and risks to bees were also considered. The results revealed that 40.8% of the samples contained at least one of the five neonicotinoids tested. Honeys from commercial crops were found to be more frequently contaminated with neonicotinoids than those from noncommercial crops. Honey samples from Apis mellifera were more frequently contaminated than those from Apis cerana. The concentrations of neonicotinoids found in honey overlapped with those that have been found to have significant adverse effects on honeybee health. The dietary risk assessments indicated that the levels of neonicotinoids detected in honey were likely to be safe for human consumption.

Potential Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Neonicotinoids and a Synergist

“…The Environmental Protection Agency estimated neonicotinoid contamination of 0.04–269 μg/kg for surface water and 58.0–320.0 μg/kg for groundwater. − Notably, Lu and co-authors reported approximately 65–79% of fruits and vegetables from the U.S Congressional Cafeteria and Hangzhou of China contained more than one neonicotinoid, and over 38% contained more than three neonicotinoids . In addition, a recent study reported that approximately 40% of honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid with a residual level of 1.0–50.0 μg/kg, which were most frequently used in mainland China (IMI, ACE, THI, THM, CLO). , Different areas and various types of crops generate multiple co-exposure to pesticides with distinct concentrations and patterns in the environment …”

“…13 In addition, a recent study reported that approximately 40% of honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid with a residual level of 1.0− 50.0 μg/kg, which were most frequently used in mainland China (IMI, ACE, THI, THM, CLO). 14,15 Different areas and various types of crops generate multiple co-exposure to pesticides with distinct concentrations and patterns in the environment. 16 Bioaccumulation and its corresponding risk to mammals of neonicotinoids have attracted more and more attention in recent decades.…”

Comparing the contents, functions and neonicotinoid take-up between floral and extrafloral nectar within a single species (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni)

“…The use of systemic insecticides, especially neonicotinoids, is well documented as causing global pollinator decline (Goulson, 2013). Acetamiprid (ACE) and imidacloprid (IMI), are the two most frequently detected neonicotinoids in agricultural products and honey in China (Wang et al, 2020). Both are currently legal in China, despite being highly toxic to a broad range of insects and other animals, especially to birds and earthworms (Pisa et al, 2015).…”

Systemic assessment of the chiral insecticide pyriproxyfen in a citrus nectar source system: Stereoselective degradation, biological effect and exposure risk

“…Pesticide applications are regarded as the main factor for the morbidity and mortality of the colonies. [8][9][10][11] Honeybees can be exposed to pesticide residues through direct spraying and through contact with treated food (such as pollen, beebread and honey). The bee toxicity of many pesticides has been screened in North America, 12 Europe, [13][14][15] China 16 and other countries.…”

“…Some potential hypotheses, including chemical contamination, 5 global climate change 6 and bee pathogens, 7 have been proposed. Pesticide applications are regarded as the main factor for the morbidity and mortality of the colonies 8–11 . Honeybees can be exposed to pesticide residues through direct spraying and through contact with treated food (such as pollen, beebread and honey).…”