Honey from urban honey bees can help pinpoint the sources of environmental pollutants such as lead, a new study from the University of British Columbia suggests. "So while they are interacting with all parts of the environment they are also passively collecting dust and particulates." The good news is that the chemical composition of honey in Vancouver reflects its environment and is extremely clean, Smith said. A new study from the University of British Columbia says analyzing honey from urban honey bees can show the concentrations of heavy metals, like lead, in urban environments. Honey bees are biomonitors of the environment because the honey gives quantitative information about the environment as opposed to just qualitative information, Smith said.

Source: CBC News March 18, 2019 00:00 UTC