Exploring honey bee toxicological data as a proxy for assessing dimethoate sensitivity in stingless bees

Chemosphere. 2024 Mar 8:141652. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141652. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe high diversity and distinctive characteristics of stingless bees pose challenges in utilizing toxicity test results for agrochemical registrations. Toxicity assessments were performed on 15 stingless bee species, along with the honey bee, using the insecticide dimethoate, following adapted OECD protocols. Median lethal doses over 24 h (24 h-LD50) were determined for exposure routes (acute oral or contact) and species. Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were constructed and the 5% hazard doses (HD5) were estimated based on 24 h-LD50 values. The SSD curve was adjusted as the body weight and dimethoate response were correlated. Lighter bees (<10 mg) had lower 24 h-LD50 values. Contact exposure for adjusted HD5 suggested insufficient protection for Melipona mondury, whereas the oral exposure HD5 indicated no risks for the other 14 species. Comprehensive risk assessments are crucial for understanding the agrochemical impact on stingless bees, emphasizing the need for a broader species range in formulating conservation strategies.PMID:38462182 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141652

Source: Chemosphere - March 10, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Andreza Ribas Lorena Lisbetd Botina Renan Dos Santos Ara újo Mateus Lordelo Vidigal Beatriz Cristina da Silva Alves Gustavo Ferreira Martins Source Type: research