Experts Explore Bees' Role in Urban Pollution Measurement

Dr. Christy Briles, an associate professor in Geography and Environmental Sciences at CU Denver, is leading research on honey bees as "environmental sentinels" through the CU Denver Bee Project. Since 2016, she has focused on how these bees can help monitor pollutants along the Front Range. As they gather pollen and nectar, honey bees collect airborne particles, providing researchers with crucial environmental data. With hive populations ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 bees in summer, they serve as numerous natural "field workers," enabling sampling across extensive urban areas and hard-to-reach locations. More insights from Briles will be shared in the upcoming Ask an Expert video series.