A study from the University of Cambridge reveals that bumblebees collect up to seven times more toxic heavy metals than honeybees, even when foraging in the same areas.Researchers warn that this hidden pollution could impair their ability to find food, reproduce, and maintain healthy colonies.Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead are absorbed through contaminated soil, dust, and pollen, affecting bees' navigation and memory.Bumblebees, which nest underground in smaller colonies, are more vulnerable due to their biology and foraging habits.They collect pollen from fewer plant species, increasing exposure to contaminated plants.Honeybees, with their larger colonies and broader foraging range, dilute contaminants across their food sources.

The study, published in Ecological Entomology, highlights the need for further research into how different bee species interact with environmental pollutants.

Despite the risks, scientists encourage planting flowers to support pollinators, emphasizing that even contaminated food is better than none for bees.