Stimulus Material for depth studies, courtesy of Macquarie University( continued)
Tracing lead contamination in NSW bees and their honey
ARTICLES
Stimulus Material for depth studies, courtesy of Macquarie University( continued)
Tracing lead contamination in NSW bees and their honey
A new study, published in Environmental Science & Technology last month, is the first Australian research of its kind to trace the source of contaminating metals, including lead, in honey bees and their products.
Specifically, the researchers used an isotopic source tracing method to analyse contaminating metals in soil and dust in Sydney and in Broken Hill, and for the first time, in bees, as well as their honey and wax.
“ The results were unequivocal— they showed clearly the different sources and origins of lead across the study areas,” says Macquarie University’ s Mark Taylor( Environmental Sciences), who led the team.
“ The lead isotopes showed that background honey bees and their products contained natural lead levels, whereas those from Sydney and Broken Hill were clearly contaminated by legacy petrol sources and ongoing mining emissions, respectively.”
Find out more Photo by Fotoworkshop4You.
Syllabus links: Earth and Environmental Science: Module 8 Inquiry question: How can humans manage the Earth’ s natural resources sustainably?
Biology: Module 4: Ecosystem dynamics Inquiry question: How can human activity impact on an ecosystem?
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
20 SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 3