Multi-biomarker approach and IBR index to evaluate the effects of different contaminants on the ecotoxicological status of Apis mellifera

The honeybee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), a keystone pollinator of wild plant species and agricultural crops, is disappearing globally due to parasites diseases, habitat loss, genetic constraints, beekeeper management issues the widespread use pesticides. Besides insecticides, widely studied in this species, honeybees are also exposed herbicides fungicides heavy metals whose lethal sublethal effects need be investigated. In context, our study aimed evaluate on develop apply multi-biomarker approach that include an Integrated Biological Index (IBRv2) assess toxicological status species. Biomarkers neurotoxicity (AChE CaE), metabolic alteration (ALP, GST) immune system (LYS, granulocytes) were measured, following honeybees’ exposure cadmium or crop fungicide, using genotoxic compound EMS as positive control. A biomarker genotoxicity (NA assay) was developed applied for first time honeybees. At doses tested, all contaminants showed toxicity bees, highlighting particular effects. data collected analyzed by IBRv2 index, which integrated seven biomarkers used study. index increased with increasing fungicide concentrations. represents simple tool general description ecotoxicological health status. Results highlight more in-depth investigations non-target organisms, such honeybees, sensitive methods determination This contributes development accurate environmental monitoring these animals.