Effect of Mobile Tower Radiation on Microbial Diversity in Soil and Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

A substantial increase in the number of mobile phone base stations (MPBS) has been demonstrated in the world. This development has raised concerns with biological systems due to electromagnetic field and radiations. Antibiotic resistance is referred as "the silent tsunami facing modern medicine". The aim of this in vitro study was to demonstrate the impact of these radiations transmitted by Mobile tower stations on microbial diversity in soil and antibiotic resistance pattern. Soil samples were taken from near four different base stations located in Dausa city, while control samples were taken far from stations. Isolation and identification of microorganisms was done using biochemical reactions and antibiotic resistance was observed. Chi-square test with Yates correction was applied to compare the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Chryseobacterium Gleum, Kocuria Rosea were isolated and identified in soil samples collected near radiation exposed zone. Greater antibiotic resistance was observed in microbes present in soil near base stations compared to control. A statistical significant difference in pattern of antibiotic resistance was found with Nalidixic acid, and cefixime when used as antimicrobial agents. (P-value less than 0.05). Our findings suggest that mobile tower radiations can significantly alter the vital systems in microbes and turn them multidrug resistant (MDR) which is most important current threat to public health.