HONEY CAN BE USED AS AN INDICATOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION - A REWIEV
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37000/abbsl.2023.108.27Keywords:
Honey, environmental pollution, biomarker, toxic substance, heavy metalAbstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) collect nectar and pollen using an area of approximately 5 km in diameter. At the same time, they actually take biological samples from thousands of points of this land. Therefore, honey samples can be used as an important biomarker to detect environmental pollution. Because the content of honey also reflects the quality of the soil, water and air in the region where the bee lives. The determination of the following chemical substances in honey provides important data about environmental pollution. Pesticides and Chemicals: Pesticides and other chemicals used in agricultural areas may leave residues in plant nectars and soil. When bees produce honey using these nectars, traces of these chemicals may be present in the honey. Analysis of honey with pesticide residues can be helpful in demonstrating the level of environmental pollution. Heavy Metals: Heavy metals can accumulate in the environment because of air, water, and soil pollution. Bees can get these heavy metals through nectar and plants they collect. High heavy metal levels in honey can be an indicator of environmental pollution. Nectars collected by bees from flowers may contain such substances. In addition, changes in the smell and taste of honey can be used as an indicator of environmental pollution. Because environmental pollution can affect vegetation and soil, this can change the smell and taste of nectar collected by bees. Monitoring the odor and taste profile of honey can be an indicator of environmental changes. Particularly in regions where large-scale wars take place, chemical substances emitted by weapons, heavy metals, and toxic substances released due to environmental destruction are transmitted to soil and water. For this reason, the extent of environmental pollution can be determined by taking honey samples from various regions and analyzing them.
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