These sampling areas and two-dimensional kriging estimates in parts per million for arsenic in forager bees include the US Department of Energy Hanford Site and the surrounding agricultural area. Our ability to distinguish dispersion patterns for very low levels of arsenic demonstrates the high degree of resolution possible with this technique. The kriging coefficients of variation (percent) for arsenic in forager bees inadequate data uncertainty. Expectedly, areas with the greatest uncertainty correspond to those with the fewest bee colonies.

We suspect that the small elevations of arsenic displayed by these maps reflect historical application of arsenical insecticides to orchards and emissions from industrial sources near existing towns. However, we should note that some soils and waters of the Pacific Northwest have elevated arsenic from natural (geological) sources. In all cases, the levels of this toxic chemical in the Tri-Cities area fall below those considered to be background levels in the Puget Sound region.

Arsenic maps are presented as proof of the concept. Over the last 20 years, we have mapped a wide array of radionuclides; inorganics ranging from aluminum to zinc; and many organics, including pesticides, PCP, PCBs, and industrial solvents. Currently, we are investigating volatile organics that occur in bees and inside the hive.