Effect of the electric field at 50 Hz and variable intensities on biochemical markers in the honey bee's hemolymph

Abstract

Overview

The global increase in artificial electromagnetic fields exposes honey bees to various E-field intensities, with potentially harmful effects. This study focuses on changes in the biochemical markers within the honey bee's hemolymph.

Methodology

• Honey bee workers were placed in wooden cages and exposed to a 50 Hz electric field with intensities ranging from <1 to 34.5 kV/m over periods of 1, 3, 6, or 12 hours.
• A homogeneous 50 Hz E-field was generated using a plate capacitor.
• Hemolymph samples were analyzed immediately after exposure from 100 bees in each group.

Findings

The study demonstrates a decrease in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the bees’ hemolymph post-exposure. This decrease intensified with prolonged exposure duration. Furthermore, changes in creatinine and albumin concentrations were observed, suggesting disturbances in protein metabolism and increased muscle activity.

Conclusion

Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields may impair crucial metabolic cycles in honey bees, such as the citric acid cycle and ATP synthesis, along with oxidative phosphorylation and β-oxidation. These findings highlight the potential risk of electromagnetic exposure to environmental health, particularly impacting key bee populations involved in pollination.