New and Improved Methods for Monitoring Air Quality and the Terrestrial
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are multi-media monitors of chemical exposures and biotic effects. This six-year project has developed an automated system to assess in real time colony behavioral responses to stressors, both anthropogenic and natural, including inclement weather. 1999 field trials at the Aberdeen Proving Ground- Edgewood area included the J-Field landfill, Cluster 3, Boundary Areas, and a Churchville, MD reference site. J-Field posed the highest risk of exposure to volatile organics, especially to i,1,1-trichlorethane and to 1,1- and cis-1,2-dichlorethene. As is common in many urban areas, benzene levels in air at most sites (both on- and off-post) exceeded EPA's Cancer Risk Levels. Elevated lead was detected in some bee and pollen samples at J-Field. Manganese and strontium were statistically (P<O.OO1) highest at J-Field and somewhat elevated at Cluster 3. There was little or no evidence of bee toxicity at on-post APG sites, although, as in 1998, colony daily return rates were slightly lower at J-Field and some colonies declined at a few of the Boundary off-post sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA404782
Entities
People
- Jerry Bromenshenk
Organizations
- University of Montana