Review · The Science of The Total Environment · October 15, 2025
Honeybees as active bioindicators of plastic pollution: Environmental exposure, analytical strategies, and monitoring perspectives
Adrián Fuente-Ballesteros, Marco Ciulu, Sk Manirul Haque, Yerkanat Syrgabek, Burhan Başaran
Abstract
Honeybee ( Apis mellifera ) has emerged as a valuable bioindicator for environmental pollution due to its morphological and behavioural traits, wide distribution, short life cycle, high reproductive rate, and ease of domestication. Through their extensive foraging activity, bees interact with multiple environmental compartments. They are increasingly exposed to a wide range of contaminants, including plastic-related compounds. In this work, we examine the potential of honeybees as active samplers of plastic pollution and identify the main exposure pathways. A brief overview of current sampling approaches, sample preparation techniques, and analytical strategies for detecting plastic contaminants is also presented. This study offers practical insights for beekeepers and policymakers to promote more sustainable hive management practices that reduce plastic exposure. Finally, we emphasize the need for harmonized methodologies, expanded geographic monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration, alongside the adoption of greener and standardized analytical techniques to improve detection accuracy and mitigate environmental impact. • Honeybees act as proactive bioindicators of plastic pollution. • Microplastics can accumulate in honeybee tissues and hive-derived products. • Environmental and human factors explain geographic variation in contamination. • Analytical strategies involve microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography. • Standardized and green analytical methods are urgently needed in this field.
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