Impact of the bioaccumulation of selected toxic elements on the condition of bees and other organisms

Toxic elements often occur in the natural environment at doses higher than the maximum allowable concentration. The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is inextricably connected with the external environment, from which it obtains air and water and food. Bees are exposed to contaminants while collecting pollen, nectar, honeydew and water. Therefore, they are highly sensitive to all kinds of environmental pollution and water and air contamination. It is proven that there is a close relationship between the level of accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants and their content in the bodies of bees and in bee products. Bees are good biological indicators of environmental contamination. At the same time, heavy metals accumulate in bee products that are later consumed by humans and animals. Research on the content of these metals in the bodies and brood of bees is extremely important because the increased use of chemicals in agriculture and other environmental factors, such as pollution with toxic elements, affect the health and mortality of bees. This paper provides an overview of studies on the harmfulness and bioaccumulation of lead, mercury and cadmium in the bodies of bees and on the impact of these elements on living organisms.