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 From 21 May to 16 July 2022 (plus or minus 1 day), the Pilot Study is currently running with 2-week interval sampling. This is an exciting and complicated sampling programme, because this year we are comparing and testing the best compound matrix combination to be applied in the pan European monitoring to be carried out in 2023. We are monitoring for pesticides, biocides, varroacides, veterinary medical compounds, microplastics, the air pollutants volatile organic compounds (VOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and heavy metals. We are also sampling pollen to study pollen diversity. The bee matrices used in the 2022 study comprise honey, pollen, propolis, and, although the basis of INSIGNIA is non-invasive sampling, this pilot study will also sample in-hive bees for reference purposes. In-hive passive samplers used are the APIStrip with the active binding compounds Tenax and C18, APITraps (which are sticky boards), and silicone bands
The challenge is to find the best combination of compounds and matrices both scientifically (to be reliable and reproducible) and practical (fit for beekeeper citizen scientists to include in in their beekeeping practice). We expect that with these 2022 data we will be able to produce scientifically substantiated and practical optimal substance-matric combinations to be applied in 2023 by a total of about 350 citizen scientist beekeepers throughout the 27 EU countries.
What are we testing?
We are looking for pesticides in APIStrips, in bees collected within the hive, in honey, and in wax. The honey and wax are being sampled over eight weeks. The matrices will be analysed for a total of 480 different compounds (pesticides, biocides, veterinary medical products, and varroacides). We are looking for the air pollutants VOC and PAH using in silicone bands, propolis, in-hive bees, and APIStrips. These matrices will be tested for 13 VOCs and 35 PAHs. We are looking for eighteen heavy metals in in-hive bees and propolis and finally we are looking for microplastics in in-hive bees, pollen, and APITraps.
In total fifteen substances / matrices combinations are being tested. Additionally, we are conducting benchmarking tests using air filters (as used in conventional pollution monitoring programmes) for VOC and PAH, for microplastics, and for heavy metal and fine dust (particulate matter) measurements. To complete these benchmarks, data from the European air monitoring stations will be included.
This year we are testing these combinations and benchmarks in five apiaries in Denmark, five apiaries in Austria and six apiaries in Greece. |
