Abstract

Overview

Non-chemical sources of anthropogenic environmental stress, like artificial lights, noise, and magnetic fields, may significantly affect wildlife. Marine environments, particularly near urbanized coastal areas, are prone to these stresses.

Findings

• The study focused on the effect of static magnetic fields, associated with submerged electric cables, on gametes and early life stages of the serpulid polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus.
• Biochemical and physiological impairments in sperm, along with fertilization rate inhibition and incorrect larval development, were significant findings.
• Experiments included comparing two magnetic field induction values (0.5 and 1 mT) over various exposure times (30 min-48 h).
• A magnetic induction level of 1 mT, typically found near submerged cables, was shown to be biologically and ecologically relevant for sessile organisms.
• This level led to significant effects on sperm's membranes, DNA integrity, kinetic parameters, and mitochondrial activity.
• Exposure to 1 mT for 3 hours had a significant reduction in fertilization rate, while 48-h exposure did not affect larval development.

Conclusion

These observations suggest an essential focus for future research on magnetic field effects on early life stages of aquatic invertebrates, using this model species as representative for reef-forming organisms and ecological indicators of soft sediment quality.