Unraveling the Buzz: Aberdeen Researchers Probe the Interplay of Bees, Microplastics, and Disease
In a pioneering research project based in Aberdeen, scientists delve into the intricate relationship between disease, bees, and the omnipresent microplastics in the environment. Spearheaded by Dr. Amy Cooper, a research scientist at the Hutton Institute, the study aims to uncover the potential role of bees in spreading diseases carried by microplastics.
Microplastics as Silent Carriers
It is well-established that microplastics act as carriers of disease-causing microbes. Dr. Cooper raises a novel concern that bees, particularly honeybees, which are highly exposed to plastics in their hives, clothing of beekeepers, and even their food, might inadvertently contribute to the spread of diseases as they move about their pollination activities. This potential mechanism of disease transmission is a new avenue of exploration for the researchers.
The Research Approach
The year-long research project will initially focus on testing how efficiently two different types of disease-causing pathogens, both plant and insect pathogens, attach to microplastics. Subsequently, honeybees, wild bees, and other pollinators will be monitored in northeast Scotland to identify the presence of microplastics.
Risks to Bee Colonies and Wild Pollinators
Dr. Cooper emphasizes the potential risks associated with diseases spreading between commercial honeybee colonies, endangering these vital managed pollinators. Additionally, the study is concerned about the transmission of diseases like American and European foulbrood to critically important wild pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies.
Origins of the Project
The inspiration for the project came from learning about how bees were utilized to monitor environmental microplastic levels. European researchers cleaned bees and examined them for microplastics after foraging. Notably, honeybees from urban areas exhibited the highest microplastic levels, with 13 different types identified, with polyester being the most prevalent.
Funding and Future Implications
The study, awarded Seedcorn funding from the institute through the Scottish Government’s Underpinning National Capacity funding, aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics between bees, microplastics, and diseases. Understanding these connections could have far-reaching implications for both managed and wild pollinators, necessitating a careful examination of the risks posed by the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment.
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