Abstract

Overview

The recent surge in mobile phone base stations has sparked heightened scrutiny over their potential biological impacts, primarily focusing on the electromagnetic fields and radiation they emit.

Findings

This study investigates the effect of radiation from mobile towers on the microbial diversity in soil and patterns of antibiotic resistance. Soil samples were collected from the vicinity of four base stations in Dausa city, while control samples were sourced from areas distant from these stations.

• Microorganisms such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Chryseobacterium Gleum, and Kocuria Rosea were isolated and identified primarily in soil from radiation-exposed zones.
• Significantly higher antibiotic resistance was noted in microbes from soil near base stations compared to control samples.
• A statistically significant difference in antibiotic resistance patterns was observed, particularly with Nalidixic acid and cefixime.

Conclusion

Our research indicates that electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile towers can profoundly alter microbial systems in the soil, leading to increased multidrug resistance (MDR). This poses a significant threat to public health, escalating concerns over the pervasive spread of antibiotic resistance, often referred to as "the silent tsunami facing modern medicine."