[log in to unmask] writes:

Since  bees don't eat soil, any residues in the soil
> would need to be  translocated by the plants into either nectar or pollen.
> Residue  levels in those products are easily measured.
 
Not necessarily true, soil borne dusts adhsorb electrostatically to  the 
exoskeleton.  We've done extensive research in smelter areas where  soils are 
loaded with heavy metals.  The main exposure route  is from  the air borne 
fine particulates from the smokestakes and from re-entrained  dusts.
 
My point - in these settings, the direct surface EXPOSURE to the bee  
exceeded that of the translocation EXPOSURE.  I'd expect to see some of  the same 
for pesticides in soils, until they degrade.   Jerry

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html