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Natural attributes of Chilean honeys modified by the presence of neonicotinoids residues

Agroforestry Systems volume 93, pages 2257–2266 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Honeys in Chile are produced from native and endemic plant species that, due to phenolic compounds, present beneficial biological attributes. However, certain undesirable pollutants can exist in honeys from beehives located near agricultural crops or commercial industries. Neonicotinoids are a widely used pesticide group in farming, despite acute, negative effects to bee health. Indeed, neonicotinoids are associated with colony collapse disorder, one of the main causes for increased death rates in bee populations. Declining bee health in Chile may consequently be related to neonicotinoids exposure. To assess this threat, honey samples collected from different regions in Chile were analyzed to quantify phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and the presence of four neonicotinoids (i.e., thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid). Pesticide-free honey samples were also fortified with three concentrations of the four neonicotinoids to evaluate changes in the chemical properties of honey. Total phenol contents decreased and antioxidant activity increased in relation to the assessed fortification concentrations. Since the agricultural use of neonicotinoids has been related to those negatives damages for bee health, in Chile, beehives should be strategically located to prevent the contamination of honeys with neonicotinoid pesticides.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile

    Enrique Mejias, Paulina Godoy, Miguel Gómez & Gloria Montenegro

  2. Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago, Chile

    Carlos Gómez & Tatiana Garrido

Authors
  1. Enrique Mejias
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  2. Carlos Gómez
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  3. Tatiana Garrido
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  4. Paulina Godoy
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  5. Miguel Gómez
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  6. Gloria Montenegro
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Correspondence to Enrique Mejias.

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Mejias, E., Gómez, C., Garrido, T. et al. Natural attributes of Chilean honeys modified by the presence of neonicotinoids residues. Agroforest Syst 93, 2257–2266 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-019-00345-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-019-00345-z

Keywords

  • Neonicotinoids
  • Honey
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Pesticides