Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the behavioral changes in honeybees exposed to an electric field (E-field) at 50 Hz with variable intensity, recognizing patterns from natural and anthropogenic EM-field sources.

Methodology

• Bees exposed to E-field intensities:
• 5.0 kV/m
• 11.5 kV/m
• 23.0 kV/m
• 34.5 kV/m
• Control group exposed to E-field <2.0 kV/m
• Observation durations: 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours

Findings

Observed behaviors: walking, grooming, flight, stillness, contact between individuals, and wing movement.

The results depict that exposure for three hours led to a decline in behavioral activities both in duration and occurrences. Noteworthily, exposure at six hours saw an increase in behavioral engagements, suggesting a potential adaptation or normalizing pattern post-initial exposure.

Conclusion

The findings significantize the potential health risks due to prolonged exposure to certain intensities of EM-fields on honeybee behavioral patterns. The increase in activity post six hours could be indicative of an adaptative or temporary recovery in behavior, a crucial consideration for environmental and biological health perspectives.