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Photo by @_giuseppenucci // Milan (MI), Italy - December 2021. The test tube containing one of the bees collected by means of a net on the designated site, as part of the biomonitoring activities carried out by the entomologist Ilaria Negri. The sample will be prepared and analysed at the Department of Science and Environment of the Bicocca University in Milan. The department is equipped with a powerful electronic scanning microscope, capable of magnifications reaching down to the nanometer. The most analysed body parts of the bees most are the wings and in particular the edge, where the particulate matter accumulates during the flight. The microscope allows observing ultra-thin powders as well and is equipped with an X-ray microprobe that allows analysing their chemical composition: shape, size and composition of the particulate matter are essential to identify its origin and toxic potential. In 2020 the site hosted 3 beehives at the San Vittore del Lazio waste-to-energy plant. In addition to the installation of the environmental control unit inside the waste-to-energy plant, plant species were planted which are useful for the production of honey by the bees. Follow @_giuseppenucci for more pictures and stories. @thephotosociety #italy #hiddenitaly #documentaryphotography #abruzzo #transhumance #tratturi #natgeo #photojournalism #photojournalist