Entomophilous Pollen and Bees as Biomonitors and Bioindicators of the Anthropogenic Triad

Abstract

The progressive increase in the concentration of harmful pollutants in the environment threatens human health. To record them, researchers use biomonitors; plant pollen and honeybees (Apis mellifera) have proven themselves well in this capacity. The peculiarity of bees is that while searching for food, they collect pollutants from the environment: air, soil and water within a radius of no more than 3 km. Not only plant pollen, but also honeybees can act as bioindicators of the anthropogenic triad: climate change and traditional land use systems and environmental pollution. In various search engines, Internet users are interested in these issues, because their point of refraction is beekeeping products, including honey. It includes almost the entire spectrum of allergenic pollen, starting from wormwood pollen — the regional allergen of the republic and ending with pollen of trees and shrubs. The problem of allergies to ornamental plants is still poorly understood. Reports of occupational flower allergies are few and usually involve gardeners, greenhouse workers, landscapers, and florists. Handling, smelling and caring for flowers can cause rhino conjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria, and contact dermatitis. When studying the pollen spectrum in the air of cities, entomophilous pollen grains of the families Malvaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae were identified. In the modern world, the concept of “One Health” has gained popularity, which recognizes the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals and ecosystems, therefore it is accepted both at the national and global levels. Within its framework, we are forming a new concept: “Entomophilous pollen and bees as biomonitors and bioindicators of the anthropogenic triad: climate change and land use systems; environmental pollution”. The purpose of the presented article is to systematize the results obtained and literature sources within the framework of the formulated concept.