Bees struggle to smell flowers when air pollutants combine

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Published: 2026-10-08T23:16:17.800Z • Permanent link

Leading research at the University of Reading has revealed that air pollutants, specifically ozone and nitrogen oxides (NOx), pose a significant threat to the ability of pollinating insects like bees and moths to smell flowers. The study, which analyzed 22 experimental studies, found that these pollutants can interfere with the olfactory system of insects, making it harder for them to detect the sweet nectar of flowers. Dr. Laura Alcock, a leading expert in environmental science at the University of Reading, is the lead author of the study. Her team used data from various sources, including the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to understand the impact of air pollution on insect behavior.

The research was conducted in collaboration with scientists from the University of Exeter and the University of Oxford, who contributed their expertise in entomology and ecology. The study's findings have significant implications for the pollination of crops, which is essential for global food security. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, pollinators like bees and butterflies contribute to the production of over 75% of the world's crop species. The loss of pollinator populations could have devastating consequences for food production and global food security.

The study's results are particularly concerning given the current state of air pollution in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that air pollution is responsible for over 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. In the UK, the EEA has reported that air pollution from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has increased by over 30% in the past decade, with significant impacts on human health and the environment.

The impact of air pollution on pollinator behavior has significant real-world implications for the agriculture and food production industries. Companies like Monsanto and Syngenta, which produce genetically modified crops, may need to reassess their strategies for pollinator-friendly farming practices. Research communities, such as those focused on environmental science and ecology, will also need to consider the potential impacts of air pollution on pollinator populations. Markets, such as those for agricultural products and fertilizers, may also be affected by changes in pollinator behavior.

The study's findings also have broader implications for policy-making. Governments and regulatory agencies, such as the EU's Air Quality Directive, will need to consider the potential impacts of air pollution on pollinator populations when developing and implementing policies to reduce pollution. The economic costs of pollinator decline could also lead to increased pressure on policymakers to prioritize pollinator protection. In the US, for example, the USDA's Pollinator Health Strategy aims to reduce the decline of pollinators through a range of measures, including reducing pesticide use and promoting pollinator-friendly habitats.

The impact of air pollution on pollinator behavior is part of a broader pattern of environmental degradation that is affecting ecosystems around the world. Climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction are all contributing to the decline of pollinator populations, and air pollution is just one of many factors that are exacerbating this problem. In recent years, there have been several high-profile reports on the state of pollinator health, including the 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which highlighted the alarming decline of pollinator populations worldwide.