Honeybees (Apis mellifera) as a Biomonitor on Superfund Sites in Denver, CO, USA

Abstract

Due to their global distribution and extensive foraging habits, honeybees as well as apiary products like honey, wax, and pollen have been shown to be useful as bioindicators of environmental contamination. This study establishes field and laboratory methods for measuring heavy metals and radionuclides in honeybees and hive products. Six hives were placed around the Denver Metropolitan Area in summer 2023 to sample heavy metals and radionuclides at superfund sites. Collected samples of pollen, honey, wax, and insects were minimally processed and then analyzed using ED-XRF, a more cost effective and accessible method than more typically used ICP-MS.