Abstract

Overview

In this comprehensive study, researchers investigated the effects of long-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) at 900 MHz on honey bee colonies under field conditions. Key biological measures were taken from larvae, pupae, and adult bees' midguts over a one-year period.

Findings

• Markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured.
• No significant differences in GST activity were observed across different electric field levels or developmental stages. The highest GST activity was noted in the pupae.
• CAT activity and TBARS concentration peaked in midguts, showing consistent results irrespective of the electrical field intensity.
• Larval TBARS levels were markedly higher at the highest electric field strength (1000 mV m-1).

Conclusion

The study concludes that RF-EMF exposure at 900 MHz can induce oxidative stress in honey bees, especially in larvae. However, there was no clear linear relationship between the intensity of the electric field and the observed effects in any developmental stages, suggesting complex interactions of RF-EMF with biological systems.