Physicochemical characterization and determination of pesticides in Apis mellifera honey from southern Brazil

Abstract

Honey is a natural food derived from nectar and other natural plant secretions, collected, and processed by bees. To be safely consumed, it must be free of chemical contamination and have quality and identity parameters following established standards. The continuous search for agricultural productivity has increased the use of pesticides, widely used in crops. Residues of these compounds have been found in honey samples. This work aimed to determine the physicochemical parameters and verify the presence of pesticides in Apis mellifera bee honey sold in the regions of Pelotas and Rio Grande/in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS)/ Brazil. The honey samples presented values for the physicochemical parameters within the acceptable limits established by Brazilian legislation. Among the 100 pesticides investigated, the insecticide λ-cyhalothrin was detected in 50% of the samples in concentrations between 5.95 and 25.30 µg/kg. The calculated estimated daily intake was 1.0×10-4 µg/kg bw/day, below the maximum limits Brazilian and European legislation recommended. The results contribute to the generation of data on the quality of honey produced in the region, thus ensuring safe consumption, however, it causes an alert about the environmental contamination by the pollinators bee's exposure to pesticides in regions with intense agricultural activity.