Environmental
pollution has been increasing parallelly to technologic and industrial
innovations, which is a vital environmental issue that has negative impacts on
living organisms. The aim of the present study was to determine how the local
area, the region inhabited by bee colonies during the beekeeping season
(summer), affects regional efficiency, the foraging behaviour of colony worker
bees, colony survivability, and the content of certain heavy metals in honey.
Bee colonies from the same genetic source in different regions demonstrated
significant variation (P<0.001) in behaviour and performance. Initially, the
number of forager worker bees exiting and entering the hive was approximately
the same in all regions. However, over time a significant difference
(P<0.001) emerged between regions. Varying regional conditions caused
considerable differences (P<0.001) in the average honey yields of colonies
(between 28.60±3.27 and 0.571±2.76 kg/colony). Significant differences
(P<0.01) in the amount of wax produced were also observed between regions.
These regional differences were further reflected in concentrations of certain
heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Co) in honey samples.
Consequently, it
can be said that environmental effects were determined to be the most important
reason for the differences in all phenotypes, such as behaviour, honey yield
and heavy metal concentrations in honey. On the other hand, it also seen that
although these analysis results are in low levels of heavy metals, it has
unfolded the risks of environmental pollution to honeybee population.
Therefore, colonies are only productive when provided with appropriate
environments or conditions.
Journal Section | Articles |
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Authors | |
Publication Date | February 16, 2017 |
Published in Issue | Year 2017 Volume: Volume 2 Issue: İssue 1 (1) - 2.İnternational Congress Of Forensic Toxicology |