Near Field Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure of a Western Honey Bee

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the impact of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from emerging 5G technologies on Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). Specifically, it examines the absorption of RF-EMF by honey bees and how their presence affects the performance of nearby antennas.

Findings

• Numerical simulations were performed using the finite-difference time-domain method and a bee model from micro-CT scans.
• The absorbed power in bees can increase by a factor of 53 in the frequency range of 6-240 GHz, which is 7 times higher than previous far-field studies.
• Antenna radiation efficiency can decline by up to 40% when a bee is present in the near field.
• The gain pattern of antennas is significantly affected by the proximity of a bee, more so at higher frequencies.

Conclusion

Numerical simulations highlight that near-field RF-EMF exposure results in greater absorbed power in Western Honey Bees as frequency increases, which is substantially higher than far-field exposure results. This study illuminates significant impacts on antenna performance in the presence of bees, which is crucial for the design and implementation of 5G networks. Understanding these interactions helps underscore the potential risks to honey bee health and the need for further research into mitigating these effects in the deployment of new telecommunication technologies.