Biome and Pollen Analysis

Bees are nature's most sophisticated environmental sensors. At Bee Conservation, we harness this remarkable capability to deliver cutting-edge biome and pollen analysis — giving businesses, farmers, and researchers a detailed, data-driven picture of environmental health across a wide area.

What tests do Bee Conservation offer?

We offer two types of tests on our hives for environmental monitoring:

Biome Analysis Tests — tests at DNA level for living organisms such as fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and viruses. We can use these tests to identify why a hive thrives or collapses, and can detect airborne diseases and antibiotic-resistant strains.

Pollen Analysis Tests — tests for pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, and fertilisers. These tests help identify the presence of potentially harmful sources of pollution that may impact both biodiversity and human health.

What do these tests show?

The tests evaluate bee pollen as a bioindicator of environmental contamination. We test the pollen for fauna and flora as well as pollutants including pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals, and fertilisers — providing a comprehensive snapshot of the environmental health of the surrounding area.

Why use bees?

Honeybees and bee products are excellent bioindicators of the presence of contaminants in the environment, particularly across large areas, due to the long distances they travel. Bees are increasingly being used in science to inform international policy and have even been shown to contribute to 15 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How does the testing process work?

Our partners collaborate with the Core Genetics department at the Natural History Museum and the University of East London School of Biosciences, conducting state-of-the-art meta-genomic analysis of the entire air biome in our samples.

What size area can we test?

Our testing covers a three-mile radius of the beehive, reflecting the distance bees typically travel when foraging — making it one of the most wide-ranging environmental monitoring tools available.

How can my company guarantee high quality testing?

We are so certain that this provision cannot be matched by any other testing company in the UK that we will provide a full free survey and a £1,000 prize for sight of any report or investigation that can demonstrate environmental health analysis to this degree.

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To contact us about using our services for your business, get in touch here.

You may also be interested in:

• Corporate Beehive Rental — bring a hive to your workplace and support biodiversity monitoring as part of your sustainability strategy.
• Pollination Services for Farmers — find out how managed honeybees can improve your crop yields and support sustainable agriculture.