scholarly journals Potential Existence of Heavy Metal Pollution and Pesticide in Honey-Based Products

Author(s):  
Dg Nooralizan Abd Wahid ◽  
Wan Fahmi Wan Mohamad Nazarie ◽  
Roslina Jawan ◽  
Rahmath Abdulla ◽  
Jualang Azlan Gansau ◽  
...  

Over the centuries, honey is known for its superior usage in culinary, and for its rich nutrition and therapeutic values which are scientifically proven in the medical field. The chemical composition of honey varies depending on its botanical sources and environment. Therefore, the nutrition content in honey is highly likely to be affected by contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides. To ensure the quality of honey, parameters such as the heavy metal content should be within the safe range of total standard mineral and trace elements as defined by the International Food Standard (Codex Alimentarius), and pesticides should not be present at all. The high concentration of heavy metal and pesticides not only deteriorates the quality and quantity of honey, but also causes harm to the bee colony itself. In the agriculture sector, the excessive usage of pesticides and fertilizer negatively impacts the overall honey production process. Bees, a pollinating agent, bring the polluted nectar back to their beehives, eventually contaminating the honey and depreciating its value. Hence, this article will comprehensively review the activities that contribute to heavy metal and pesticide contamination, the interactions of bees as a pollinating agent, the impact of the pollutant to the colonies, and subsequently to the honey production.

A study was conducted to assess the impact of industrial discharge on the quality of sediment obtained from River Akinbo around Lafarge Cement WAPCO, Ewekoro. Four locations were chosen along the water course (River Akinbo) to reflect a consideration of all industrial activities that are capable of changing the quality of sediments. Sediment samples were collected in three monthsbetween (October 2015 - June 2016) at the four sampling points. The physicochemical parameters determined were sediment pH, moisture content, sulphate (mg/l), nitrate (mg/l), phosphate (mg/l) and chloride (mg/L) using standard methods. Sequential Extraction Procedure (SEP) was used to determine the concentration of heavy metals to include (Pb, Cr, Cd, Mn, Ni, Fe) while XRF was used to determine the geo-chemical index of the sediment. Sediment pH is between slightly alkaline, the bioavailability of the metal followed a trend Ni > Cr >Mn> Cd>Pb> Fe with a little interchange at some sampling point. Percentage by weight trend for the XRF were in the order of major metals Al > Fe >Ca> K > Na and in the order of minor metals Mn> Cr > Zn. The concentration of cadmium, chromium and iron were above the permissible limit WHO and FEPA. The high concentration of heavy metals in sediment is most likely as a result of the amount of effluents (dust and waste water) discharged into the river from the factory. To prevent mass extinction of aquatic organisms due to anoxic conditions, proper regulations should be implemented to reduce the organic load the river receives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. P. Kucheryavyy ◽  
O. O. Salyuk ◽  
S. V. Skrypnyk

Honeybees can only live and work in a bee colony. There is normally only one queen bee in a standard bee colony. It is the family's only fully matured female and the mother of young queen, drone, and worker bees. When a bee colony loses its queen bee and is unable to reproduce a new one, it eventually dies. Timely change of queen bees every 2 years, as well as increasing and maintaining the strength of bee colonies are the main zootechnical measures to maintain optimal life of bees and get the maximum amount of products from them. The presence of the queen bee in the bee family of honey bees fully influences their flight activity in collecting bee pollen. In its absence, the harvesting of pollen and its processing, as well as the extraction of wax and the construction of honeycombs, the cultivation of brood, and the collection of nectar are significantly slowed down and then completely stopped. With the advent of the uterus, all the functions of the family as a whole biological system are restored. Therefore, the quality of queens is a determining factor in the viability and productivity of the bee colony. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of reproductive function of queen bees of Apis mellifera sossimai and Apis mellifera carpatica breeds in different ways of obtaining them, and the impact on productivity of the bee colony. To carry out experimental work in the apiary, three control groups and two experimental groups were formed, with nine bee colonies in each group. In the first group, the queen bees were artificially breeded from the nursery, in the second group - fistulous queens bees, and in the third - the swarm queen bees. The apiary is situated on a 50-50 meter plot of land. Hives are used to keep bee colonies. Bees are kept in the apiary of the Ukrainian field breed. A pollinating honey area is available at the apiary. A winter house, a mobile vehicle, and a suitable chamber for honey pumping are all available at the apiary. Mustard is sown around the apiary every year. According to the study, big full-fledged queen bees are born in a healthy, physiologically complete bee colony. When the strength of a bee colony was increased, the queen bees were born 30 mg lighter. The number of fallopian tubes of queen bees raised with a biological integrity breach is 185,1 ± 7,3, while the number of fallopian tubes of queen bees raised with biological integrity is 207,6 ± 7,4. If the bees bring nectar and pollen during the breeding process, the queen bees are born huge, but without the forage а little and with poor executive abilities. It makes no difference how strong the foraging is; even 200 – 300 g of nectar and pollen per day has a positive impact on the quality of queen bees produced. Fistula uteruses had higher egg production compared to swarms in the same conditions of colony development.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 1063-1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Burke ◽  
I. P. Hartley ◽  
C. D. Jones

Abstract. Under climate change thawing permafrost will cause old carbon which is currently frozen and inert to become vulnerable to decomposition and release into the climate system. This paper develops a simple framework for estimating the impact of this permafrost carbon release on the global mean temperature (P-GMT). The analysis is based on simulations made with the Hadley Centre climate model (HadGEM2-ES) for a range of representative CO2 concentration pathways. Results using the high concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) suggest that by 2100 the annual methane (CH4) emission rate is 2–59 Tg CH4 yr−1 and 50–270 Pg C has been released as CO2 with an associated P-GMT of 0.08–0.36 °C (all 5th–95th percentile ranges). P-GMT is considerably lower – between 0.02 and 0.11 °C – for the low concentration pathway (RCP2.6). The uncertainty in climate model scenario causes about 50% of the spread in P-GMT by the end of the 21st century. The distribution of soil carbon, in particular how it varies with depth, contributes to about half of the remaining spread, with quality of soil carbon and decomposition processes contributing a further quarter each. These latter uncertainties could be reduced through additional observations. Over the next 20–30 yr, whilst scenario uncertainty is small, improving our knowledge of the quality of soil carbon will contribute significantly to reducing the spread in the, albeit relatively small, P-GMT.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (02) ◽  
pp. 96-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hippolyte D. Affognon ◽  
W.S. Kingori ◽  
A.I. Omondi ◽  
M.G. Diiro ◽  
B.W. Muriithi ◽  
...  

This study used the theory-based impact evaluation approach to understand as to how promotion of beekeeping by the Commercial Insects Programme (CIP) of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has had an impact on honey production in the former Mwingi District of Kenya (now merged into Kitui County). We examined the adoption of modern hives promoted byicipeand applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the technical efficiency (TE) of participants in CIP. CIP participants had an average TE of 0.56, which was significantly higher than that of non-participants in the former Kitui District (average TE of 0.26). Those who adopted modern hives achieved the highest average levels of TE (0.59). The study fits a Probit model to identify the drivers of adoption and a Tobit model to assess the intensity of adoption of modern hives. The propensity score matching approach was used to evaluate the impact of modern hives on honey production. Results indicate that perceptions about the yield and quality of honey obtained from modern hives significantly increased beekeepers' adoption decisions. The intensity of adoption expressed as the proportion of modern hives owned by beekeepers was significantly high among farmers who participated in CIP. A positive and significant relationship was observed between the adoption of modern hives and the quantity of honey produced. The present study indicates, through the average TE, that considerable room still exists for the improvement of beekeeping and provides strong evidence for scaling up the dissemination of modern hives in areas of Kenya with high potential.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1367-1404 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Burke ◽  
I. P. Hartley ◽  
C. D. Jones

Abstract. Under climate change thawing permafrost will cause old carbon which is currently frozen and inert to become vulnerable to decomposition and release into the climate system. This paper develops a simple framework for estimating the impact of this permafrost carbon release on the global mean temperature (P-GMT). The analysis is based on simulations made with the Hadley Centre climate model (HadGEM2-ES) for a range of representative CO2 concentration pathways. Results using the high concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) suggest that by 2100 the annual methane (CH4) emission rate is 2–59 Tg CH4 yr−1 and 50–270 Pg C has been released as CO2 with an associated P-GMT of 0.08–0.36 °C (all 5th–95th percentile ranges). P-GMT is considerably lower – between 0.02 and 0.11 °C – for the low concentration pathway (RCP2.6). The uncertainty in climate model scenario causes about 50% of the spread in P-GMT by the end of the 21st century, indicating that the effect of permafrost thaw on global mean temperature is currently controllable by mitigation measures. The distribution of soil carbon, in particular how it varies with depth, contributes to about half of the remaining spread in P-GMT by 2100 with quality of soil carbon and decomposition processes contributing a further quarter each. These latter uncertainties could be reduced through additional observations. Over the next 20–30 yr, whilst scenario uncertainty is small, improving our knowledge of the quality of soil carbon will contribute significantly to reducing the spread in the, albeit relatively small, P-GMT.


1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wray Lampman

Abstract Agricultural practices today employ a vast array of chemicals in large volumes in order to improve both the quantity and quality of our agricultural products. While it has long been recognized that runoff from agricultural land has the potential to degrade surface water quality, only recently has attention been focused on the effect of agricultural usage on groundwater. In order to study the effects of pesticides and nitrate usage on the quality of groundwater, in 1985 the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy began operating a groundwater monitoring program in southwestern Ontario. Data generated from this program, which utilized sample data collected from both wells and piezometers, indicate that in areas of heavy pesticide and nitrate usage, shallow groundwater is continuously testing positive for nitrate and a variety of pesticides. Factors which influence the number of positive incidents for pesticides are directly related to the persistence of the chemical, its method of application, and the amounts utilized. Soil types and depth to groundwater, although influencing the time of detection, do not govern the number of detection events. Changes in agricultural practices are also monitored to see if pesticide reduction, a variation in the method of application, crop rotations and an increase in soil organic matter could influence the levels of pesticide It was found that when chemicals of a low persistence were applied post emergent at the minimum recommended rate, pesticides were not detected in the groundwater. Crop rotations were also effective in reducing the level of pesticides in groundwater. Tillage practices and increases in soil organic matter were also effective in reducing pesticide contamination. It was found that when chemicals of a low persistence were applied post emergent at the minimum recommended rate, pesticides were not detected in the groundwater. Crop rotation and reduction in nitrate loadings were found to be the only effective methods to reduce nitrate loading to groundwater. It was also found that elevated levels of potassium and/or nitrate in groundwater serve as a reliable indicator of the groundwater susceptibility to pesticide contamination. Remedial action to alleviate the impact of pesticides and nitrates in groundwater must focus on the chemical usage patterns employed on the farm site and an overall reduction of the quantities of pesticides and nitrates utilized. These patterns must incorporate a well-designed program of crop rotation with the proper utilization of these chemicals on site.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham Addo-Bediako ◽  
Sophy Nukeri ◽  
Millicent Kekana

AbstractThe impact of anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and urbanization is causing heavy metal contamination in many freshwater ecosystems. The concentrations of eight elements (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the Spekboom River, South Africa, were studied using enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) to assess the extent of pollution in the river. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed using sequential inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectrometry. The results showed deterioration of the sediment quality with high concentration of Cr and Ni at all the sites, this is a reflection of contamination from the various anthropogenic activities in the area. The current levels of Cr and Ni could be detrimental to the river and may pose a serious threat to the aquatic organisms and humans, as the sediment could act as a secondary source of metal pollution in the water. It is therefore recommended that urgent action should be taken to control effluents from anthropogenic activities to the river in order to prevent further pollution.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shradha Sinha ◽  
Neeraj Agarwal ◽  
Shailja Pandey ◽  
Vandana Grover

Attempt is made to understand the impact of tanneries on ground water quality of Unnao. Study was undertaken to evaluate physico-chemical parameters and chromium, lead iron concentration in ground water near tannery industries. The results revealed that only two parameters fluoride and chromium are present in slight high concentration than permissible limit. Ground water quality % sample compliance / violation with respect to BIS standard were also studied.


GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Rushanya I Gabidullina ◽  
Elvira I Galimyanova ◽  
Rufat R Bagirli ◽  
Anastasiya M Sharapova

Aim. Examine the impact of combined oral contraceptive on sexuality and the quality of women’s life. Materials and methods. The article presents a review of Electronic literature databases MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Elibrary. Results. Since its first introduction in the 1960s, hormonal contraception has been widely used as a highly effective birth control method. However, the hormonal components of oral contraceptives affect the neuroendocrine system of women, exerting various effects on mood, libido, on sexuality and quality of life in general. Based on literature data the effect of contraception on sexuality, the physiological and emotional state of women are various. It is known that the hormonal supplementation of sexual desire is associated with ovarian hormones. At the same time, a high concentration of estrogen and testosterone receptors has been determined in the hypothalamus, which controls sexual function and mood. The mechanisms to implement the effects of androgen and progesterone on sexual desire are ambiguous. It was found a positive relationship between a sexual interest, sexual response, sexual fantasy, frequency of sexual intercourse and a testosterone level. At the same time, it is known that estradiol can increase the ability of women to orgasmic response and sexual satisfaction by acting on specific brain structures. Conclusion. The effect of contraception on women’s sexual life is an important factor when choosing a method of contraception and an integral part in the obstetrician-gynecologist’s practice, which requires further research in this direction.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Abolghassem Emamverdian ◽  
Yulong Ding ◽  
Farzad Mokhberdoran ◽  
Muthusamy Ramakrishnan ◽  
Zishan Ahmad ◽  
...  

Bamboo forests cover a remarkable area of Chinese forestland. Recently, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been used for plant protection against abiotic stress. In this study, an in vitro tissue culture experiment was conducted to determine the impact of titanium on plant tolerance to two different heavy metals (Cu and Pb). Bamboo plants (Arundinaria pygmaea L.) were grown using five concentrations of TiO2 NPS (0, 50, 80, 100, and 150 µM) without or with 100 µM Cu and 100 µM Pb for 30 days. The results showed that while Cu and Pb increased the generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) compounds in plants, TiO2 NP treatments played a positive role in reducing oxidative stress, as indicated by the decrease in ROS compounds, the extent of lipoperoxidation, and soluble proteins. On the other hand, the use of TiO2 NPs increased the total antioxidant capacity, chlorophyll content and general plant biomass. Moreover, the addition of TiO2 NPs significantly reduced Cu, and Pb accumulation in roots, stems, and shoots. We concluded that TiO2 NPs have the ability to reduce oxidative stress in plants by increasing the antioxidant capacity, improving the level of injury, and protecting cell membranes via reducing lipoperoxidation (reduction of Malondialdehyde (MDA) content). However, the results indicated that the efficiency of TiO2 NPs was related to the type and concentration of heavy metal, as TiO2 NPs were more effective for Cu than Pb. Additionally, a high concentration of TiO2 NPs resulted in the greatest enhancement in plant growth and development under heavy metal stress.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document