Vineyard footprint revealed by honey bees used as sentinels for organic and inorganic pollutants in contrasted environments

Abstract

The contamination of non-target organisms by elements and pesticides can adversely affect biodiversity and key ecosystem services such as pollination. In this study, we used honey bee colonies as sentinels of environmental contamination in four distinct habitats - urban, suburban, forest, and vineyard - and collected bees every three weeks from May to November. Pesticide residues were extracted using an adapted QuEChERS method and analyzed by LC-MS/MS, while inorganic major and trace elements were measured by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. Our results show that land-use and seasonal changes shape contaminant profiles in bees. Bees from vineyards exhibited the highest contaminant diversity and loads, indicating a particularly intense contamination profile in this environment. This reflects exposure to multiple pesticide inputs - such as copper - which can accumulate over time to potentially harmful levels. Pollinators like honey bees provide effective indicators of environmental risk, as their contaminant loads may affect honey bee health and can reveal broader ecological impacts.