AUG 13, 2026 · JOURNAL ARTICLE
Repeated exposure of bumblebee workers to field-realistic doses of di-2-ethylhexyl and di-n-butyl phthalates lowers worker survival and induces obesity-related phenotypes in workers and brood
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
A controlled experimental study showing clear dose-response effects on survival and metabolic endpoints in a relevant model organism, but limited by single species, lab conditions, and absence of field validation or mechanistic confirmation.
Reported
Worker mortality increase with DE…up to 50%
Exposure duration35 days
Exposure frequencyonce per week