A quantitative Apis mellifera hazard and risk assessment model (AMHRA) illustrated with the insecticide sulfoxaflor: sulfoxaflor environmental science review part VI

In this paper, conceptual models of the exposure pathways outside the hive and the in-hive distribution of pesticide residues brought to the honeybee hive are presented. The conceptual model is based on the natural life history, behavior and diet of individual honeybees (Apis mellifera). Receptor groups of bees with similar diets and potential exposure are defined. From the conceptual model, a quantitative A. mellifera hazard and risk assessment model (AMHRA) is developed and illustrated using sulfoxaflor (SFX) as a case study. The model estimates the exposure of the receptor groups of honeybees within a colony via various routes of exposure. The user selects a deterministic mode to obtain hazard quotients (HQ) or a probabilistic mode to obtain risk quotients (RQ). The model was run in the deterministic mode using the pesticide concentrations in nectar and pollen from a field experiment in which SFX was applied to cotton crops at the highest permitted application rate of 101 g a.i. ha−1. Acute and chronic exposure HQ values were calculated for the adult and larval receptor groups. The results showed that the SFX applied at the highest single application rate following the label directions was not hazardous to honeybees. The probabilistic mode was described but not run.