Effect of 2850 MHz electromagnetic field radiation on the early growth, antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolite profile of red and green cabbage

Abstract

Overview

The rapid advancement in communication technology has led to an increase in radiofrequency radiation in our environment. This study investigates the impact of 2850 MHz electromagnetic field radiation (EMF-r) on the growth and metabolism of red and green cabbage cultivars.

Findings

• Seedlings were exposed to EMF-r over a period of seven days with varying durations. Measurements were taken immediately after exposure and one day later.
• Exposure to EMF-r resulted in a decrease in root and shoot length as well as biomass of cabbage seedlings, compared to control samples.
• The levels of key photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll and carotenoids, dropped significantly under exposure, presenting a decrease in the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis efficiently.
• In contrast, the contents of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins increased with the duration of exposure, indicating a possible adaptive response to oxidative stress.
• Significant increases in antioxidant activities and stress markers such as DPPH activity, H2O2 content, and MDA content were observed in the EMF-r exposed plants, indicating enhanced oxidative stress.
• Activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutases, catalases, and guaiacol peroxidases were also upregulated in response to EMF-r exposure.

Conclusion

The study concludes that 2850 MHz EMF radiation significantly affects the early developmental stages of cabbage seedlings, alters their photosynthetic capacities, increases their phenolic content, and causes oxidative stress, thereby impairing their metabolism and overall growth.