EFFECT OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY (ELF) MAGNETIC FIELD EXPOSURE OF 700µT AND 1200µT INTENSITIES ON THE DEGREE OF ACIDITY (pH) AND MASS OF LEMURU FISH (Sardinella lemuru)

Abstract

The Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field is included in electromagnetic waves which have a frequency range of 0-300 Hz. In foodstuffs, the use of magnetic fields can be used for food security. Lemuru fish is a fish that is consumed by many people. In general, lemuru fish will last approximately 8 hours after arriving from capture. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to the ELF magnetic field on the degree of acidity (pH) and density in lemuru fish. The research design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure treatment is used to increase lemuru fish resistance by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. The research sample was 110 lemuru fish and divided into 5 groups. One group served as a control, 2 experimental groups were exposed to an ELF magnetic field intensity of 700µT for 60 minutes and 120 minutes, and the other 2 groups were exposed to an ELF magnetic field with an intensity of 1200µT for 60 minutes and 120 minutes. The variables studied included the pH value and the density of lemuru fish. Measurements of pH and density were carried out at the 8th and 20th hours after exposure to the ELF magnetic field. The research data were analyzed using statistical analysis, namely the Kruskall Wallis Test. The results of this study indicated that the intensity of 1200µT for 60 minutes was effective for maintaining the pH value of lemuru fish, while the intensity which was effective for maintaining the density value was 1200µT for 60 minutes and 120 minutes until the 20th hour.