Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of weak 16 2/3 Hz magnetic fields on growth parameters of young sunflower and wheat seedlings med./bio.

By: Fischer G, Tausz M, Kock M, Grill D
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 25 (8): 638-641
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study possible effects of magnetic fields with low intensity on seedlings growth (sunflower and wheat).

Background/further details

In Austria and Germany electric railways are powered by a frequency of 16(2/3) Hz (16.67 Hz).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 16.67 Hz
Exposure duration: continuous for 12 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 16.67 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 12 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup sunflower and wheat beakers were placed symmetrically to the center of the coil
Additional info Twelve seeds per experiment (treatment and control) were placed 5 cm below the upper edge of filter paper germination roll. The rolls were placed in the center of a 250 ml beaker filler with 100 ml tap water. Identical conditions were applied for the control group, placed 3 m from the exposure group, but without magnetic field.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 20 µT effective value measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Sunflower seedlings exposed to magnetic field showed small, but significant increases in total fresh weights, shoot fresh weights, and root fresh weights, whereas dry weights and germination rates remained unaffected. Exposed wheat exhibited marginally, but significantly higher root fresh and dry weights, total fresh weights, and higher germination rates.

Study character:

Study funded by

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