Impacts of Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)—Evidence for RF-EMF Interference with Plant Stress Responses

Abstract

The increased use of wireless technology causes a significant exposure increase for all living organisms to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). This comprises bacteria, animals, and also plants. Unfortunately, our understanding of how RF-EMF influences plants and plant physiology remains inadequate. In this study, we examined the effects of RF-EMF radiation on lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) in both indoor and outdoor environments using the frequency ranges of 1890–1900 MHz (DECT) at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Wi-Fi). Under greenhouse conditions, RF-EMF exposure had only a minor impact on fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and no effect on plant flowering time. In contrast, lettuce plants exposed to RF-EMF in the field showed a significant and systemic decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and accelerated flowering time compared to the control groups. Gene expression analysis revealed significant down-regulation of two stress-related genes in RF-EMF-exposed plants: violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP). RF-EMF-exposed plants had lower Photosystem II’s maximal photochemical quantum yield (FV/FM) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) than control plants under light stress conditions. In summary, our results imply that RF-EMF might interfere with plant stress responses and reduced plant stress tolerance.

Analysis of the Interaction Effects of Electromagnetic Fields with Major Living Tissues—One Health Concept Numerical Evaluation Strategy

“…These three characteristics, internal concentration, rapid heating and low fluid flow, are not integrated into the natural selfprotection of the tissue, which depends on heat transfer by conduction and convection to sunlight and the hot environment. Therefore, the main detrimental consequence on tissues exposed to high frequency EMF would be rapid heating inside the defenseless parts of the tissues, without a proper self-preservation perspective to defend the key functions of the tissues [9,13]. Note that in addition to possibly damaging parts of tissue, excessive and permanent fields can trigger non-thermal effects, that can stimulate nerves, muscles and excitable structures.…”

“…The connections between EMFs and humans in these activities certainly play an important role in human well-being. In addition to these desired dealings, there are undesirable effects on human tissues as well as those of fauna and flora [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. These EMF exposures are due to two types of sources, near field (NF) as telephone cells [9], and far field (FF) as antenna towers for telephone cells [7,8].…”

Measurement and Calibration of EMF: A Study Using Phone and GBDT for Mobile Communication Signals

“…With the development of mobile communication technology and the popularization of smartphones, electromagnetic exposure due to mobile communications is receiving increasing attention (Balmori, 2022; Jagetia, 2022; Kaur et al., 2023; Tran et al., 2023). Moreover, studies over the years have shown that electromagnetic exposure caused by downlink in mobile communication occupies a significant proportion, so effective measurement of exposure to downlink signals has always been the focus in the field of electromagnetic measurement (Birks et al., 2018; Choi et al., 2018; Eeftens et al., 2018; Koppel et al., 2022; Zhao et al., 2019).…”

Interaction of electromagnetic fields with body-onboard devices

“…Due to their operating principle, in addition to their functional transmission of waves, they emit parasitic (stray) EMFs. These EMF exposures can interact with objects and living tissues in general [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”