Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees

Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees
S. Shepherd, M. A. P. Lima, E. E. Oliveira, S. M. Sharkh, C. W. Jackson & P. L. Newland

Scientific Reportsvolume 8, Article number: 7932(2018)
doi:10.1038/s41598-018-26185-y

Received: 07 January 2018 Accepted:08 May 2018 Published:21 May 2018

Abstract

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) pollution from overhead powerlines is known to cause biological effects across many phyla, but these effects are poorly understood. Honey bees are important pollinators across the globe and due to their foraging flights are exposed to relatively high levels of ELF EMF in proximity to powerlines. Here we ask how acute exposure to 50 Hz ELF EMFs at levels ranging from 20–100 µT, found at ground level below powerline conductors, to 1000–7000 µT, found within 1 m of the conductors, affects honey bee olfactory learning, flight, foraging activity and feeding. ELF EMF exposure was found to reduce learning, alter flight dynamics, reduce the success of foraging flights towards food sources, and feeding. The results suggest that 50 Hz ELF EMFs emitted from powerlines may represent a prominent environmental stressor for honey bees, with the potential to impact on their cognitive and motor abilities, which could in turn reduce their ability to pollinate crops.



Introduction

A decline of pollinator species can significantly compromise agricultural production1,2. Bees contribute approximately 80% of insect pollination, making it crucial to understand and mitigate the causes of current population declines3. Pesticide exposure has been identified as a key factor affecting bee health, and ultimately crop pollination abilities4. Concerns over increased honey bee colony losses, initially attributed mainly to pesticide use and agricultural intensification, have broadened into studies related to the decline of pollinators in general3,5, as well as identifying the varied factors, or stressors that affect pollinator health6...

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https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-26185-y