Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Cell phone radiations affect early growth of Vigna radiata (mung bean) through biochemical alterations med./bio.

Published in: Z Naturforsch C 2010; 65 (1-2): 66-72

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of cell phone electromagnetic fields on germination and growth of mung bean.

Background/further details

Additionally, the changes in biomolecules and some enzyme activities were investigated to better understand the mechanism of action of mobile phones on early growth of plants.
Five sets of 50 seeds were divided into four exposure groups (exposed for 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h) and one control group. Exposed seeds were allowed to germinate and grow for seven days before measurements were performed.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber 47.5 cm x 26 cm x 17.5 cm closed shielded room acting as Faraday cage, maintained at 25 °C
Setup seeds placed equidistantly between two GSM cell phones which were used in conversation mode
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 8.55 µW/cm² average over time measured - -

Reference articles

  • Sharma VP et al. (2009): Mobile phone radiation inhibits Vigna radiata (mung bean) root growth by inducing oxidative stress

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Exposure to cell phone electromagnetic fields affected the germination of mung beans depending upon the time of exposure: There was no change in seed germination when the seeds were exposed for less or equal two hours. However, exposure to an electromagnetic field for 4 h reduced the germination by 50%.
Additionally, cell phone exposure significantly reduced the seedling length and dry weight of mung bean after exposure for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h.
Furthermore, the contents of proteins and carbohydrates were reduced in electromagnetic field exposed plants. However, the enzyme activities of proteases, alpha-amylases, beta-amylases, polyphenol oxidases, and peroxidases were enhanced in mobile phone exposed radicles indicating their role in providing protection against electromagnetic field-induced stress.
The authors conclude that cell phone electromagnetic fields impair early growth of mung bean seedlings by inducing biochemical changes.

Study character:

Study funded by

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