12 Years of honey surveys in northern Italy: How anthropic activities can influence honey quality

Abstract

Bees and hive products, such as honey, can act as indicators of environmental quality. Our research aimed to evaluate historical data of honey quality in Lombardy (Northern Italy) and consider the possible sources of air contamination that can influence it. We collected analytical data from the local Health Protection Agency on residues of 57 honey samples from 2011 to 2022, comparing a rural area and an industrial area. At the same time, we consulted estimated air emissions in the same areas through the INEMAR database used by the local Environmental Protection Agency. Data revealed antibiotic contamination in one case and, regarding heavy metals, lead contamination in several samples in the industrial area. Pb contamination could derive from multiple sources. The INEMAR database permitted us to hypothesize that combustion in industry and road transportation could have a role in honey contamination, being among the main sources of Pb emission in that area.