Pesticide Contamination of Bees: Determing the Diversity and Concentration of Compounds found in Hives Located across Ohio Agricultural Landscapes

Pesticide Contamination of Bees: Determing the Diversity and Concentration of Compounds found in Hives Located across Ohio Agricultural Landscapes

Summary

Our study aims to investigate the role of landscape composition in contaminate exposure by pollinators, specifically the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens). By analyzing pesticides found on the worker bees foraging in urban, rural, and suburban landscapes we hope to understand how the Ohio landscapes in which these bees forage influence their likelihood of contamination. Both analyses of pesticide types/concentrations found in bees and landscape analyses are ongoing. Bumble bee samples were found to be unresponsive to pesticide analysis, and to ensure use of these samples we are investigating additional contaminants, heavy metals. Preliminary results show bumble bees are exposed to heavy metals in the field. Objectives 1 and 2 of our study should be completed in September 2015.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We expect analysis of pesticide/heavy metal contamination to be completed by September 1, 2015 (Obj. 1). Landscape analysis should also be completed by September 1, 2015 (Obj. 2). We expect to have at least one publication of the data ready by the end of 2015.

Accomplishments/Milestones

All bee samples are now collected and prepared for chemical/elemental analysis. Honey bee worker and provision analysis for pesticides is currently underway. Bumble bee worker and provision analysis for heavy metals is also currently underway. Preliminary analysis shows that bumble bee workers are indeed capturing numerous heavy metals from their environments, including lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and arsenic. Landscape data has all been collected and has been analyzed for honey bee sites. Landscape data for bumble bee sites is underway and GIS layers for impervious surface coverage are being added as a possible variable influencing contaminant exposure.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This study will contribute to NCR-SARE’s broad-based goals by providing beekeepers, fruit and vegetable growers, and extension agents with information regarding the effects of pesticide management practices on pollinators. This information will prove useful in encouraging best management practices and enhancing environmental quality in agroecosystems. We look forward to disseminating the results of our studies to volunteer beekeepers and homeowners, extension agents, and the scientific community near the end of 2015.

Collaborators: