The Impact Of Air And Noise Pollution On Honeybee (Apis Mellifera L.) Productivity Across Multiple Habitats

Abstract

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) play a critical role in pollination, agriculture, and ecological monitoring, yet their productivity is increasingly threatened by environmental pollutants. This study investigates the combined effects of air and noise pollution on honeybee colony performance across habitats in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Colonies were assessed for honey production, brood development, and pollen storage, alongside measurements of PM, formaldehyde (HCHO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and ambient noise levels. The results revealed that higher levels of air and noise pollution were associated with reduced colony productivity, particularly affecting brood development and pollen collection. These findings highlight the importance of managing environmental quality to support sustainable apiculture and suggest that honeybee productivity serves as a sensitive indicator of anthropogenic pollution.