The potential of using honeybees as indicators of metal pollution in two locations in Malta

Abstract

In this dissertation honeybees, propolis, air, soil and plant samples were gathered from two contrasting sites MCAST College in Hal-Luqa (Industrial area) and Mġarr (Agricultural area) in mainland Malta. Superficial heavy metals were observed and tested on the samples using (MP-AES) Microwave Atomic Plasma Emissions Spectrometry in order to find concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, Ni and Hg. The honeybee and the propolis samples were digested using HNO3 Nitric Acid and H2O2 Hydrogen Peroxide and ashed using a muffle furnace in order to extract heavy metal deposition form within the samples. Simultaneously the air, soil and plant samples were washed using de-ionised water in order to extract the heavy metals settling on the surfaces of the samples. Different methods of filtration were used in order to extract the metals from the surfaces of the samples. The highest average found for honeybees and propolis were Sn and As, followed by Zn (p<0.0001). While for plant and soil samples the highest averages were Sn and As (p<0.0001). While the air sample‟s highest average was Pb followed by Sn (p<0.05).