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

Authors: D. Toribio, W. Joseph, A. Thielens

Year: 2021

Category: Telecommunications Engineering

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

Institution: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2021.3111286

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9539081

Abstract

Overview

This study delves into the impacts of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), especially with the advent of 5G technology, on Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). It explores how these changes affect the bee's biological response and antenna radiation performance.

Findings

  • Through finite-difference time-domain method simulations, notable increases in absorbed RF power in honey bees were detected.
  • The absorbed power can increase up to a factor of 53 from frequencies 6-240 GHz while in the near field, which is seven times higher than increases observed in the far field of previous studies.
  • Antenna radiation efficiency saw a decrement up to -40% when a bee was presented in the near field.
  • The gain pattern of antennas varies depending on the distance between the bee and the antenna, with higher dependencies at higher frequencies.

Conclusion

Numerical analyses highlighted significant variations in RF-EMF absorption and antenna performance due to the proximity and frequency relation to bees, exposing potential disturbances in 5G network operation due to the presence of insects.

electromagnetic fields honey bee 5G networks antenna performance RF absorption numerical simulations environmental impact
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