Introducing energy into marine environments: A lab-scale static magnetic field submarine cable simulation and its effects on sperm and larval development on a reef forming serpulid

Authors: Oliva M, De Marchi L, Cuccaro A, Fumagalli G, Freitas R, Fontana N, Raugi M, Barmada S, Pretti C

Year: 2023 Apr 19

Category: Environmental Science

Journal: Environ Pollut

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121625

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37085101/

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

Non-chemical sources of anthropogenic environmental stress, like artificial lights, noise, and magnetic fields, often go underestimated, yet may significantly affect the wildlife in marine environments, particularly near urbanized coastal areas.

Findings

  • The study focused on the effects of static magnetic fields from submerged electric cables on gametes and early life stages of a serpulid polychaete, Ficopomatus enigmaticus.
  • Two magnetic field induction values, 0.5 and 1 mT, were tested across various exposure times ranging from 30 minutes to 48 hours.
  • A significant biological and ecological impact was detected at 1 mT, typical at a short distance from submerged cables, affecting sperm cell integrity and reducing the fertilization rate notably after 3 hours of exposure compared to controls.
  • The larval stages, however, appeared unaffected in their development after a 48-hour exposure.

Conclusion

This research marks a crucial start toward understanding how magnetic fields influence early life stages of aquatic invertebrates and emphasizes the importance of using model species as ecological indicators for soft sediment quality.

magnetic fields marine environments ecological effects environmental stress larval development
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