Weak anthropogenic electric fields affect honeybee foraging

Abstract

Overview

Anthropogenic or human-made electric fields (E-fields) are being increasingly detected by wildlife. This research specifically explores aerial electroreception in bees—a sensory ability to detect airborne E-fields—and the consequences of exposure to weak anthropogenic E-fields.

Findings

• 🐝 Weak anthropogenic-like electric fields substantially decrease honeybee floral landing.
• 📉 Exposure to alternating current (AC) and positive direct current (DC) fields reduced honeybee landings by 71% and 53%, respectively.
• ➖ Notably, negative DC fields did not show a statistically significant impact on bee landings.
• 🏞️ Empirical measurements near high-voltage transmission lines confirmed the presence of persistent E-fields at levels matching laboratory exposures, extending across practical foraging ranges.

Conclusion

🚨 These findings highlight "electric pollution" as a significant potential disruptor of pollination, threatening both agricultural productivity and biodiversity. The clear connection between anthropogenic E-field exposure and disrupted bee foraging emphasizes the critical need to further study the ecological and health risks posed by EMFs in our environment.