Exploring the effects of anthropogenic EMF on fish embryo development: Survival and orientation responses

Abstract

Research on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on living organisms, particularly developing fish embryos, is becoming increasingly important due to the rising number of electrical appliances and the expanding energy infrastructure. This article presents laboratory studies on the impact of anthropogenic EMF on the fertilized eggs of four fish species: pike, sea trout, vimba bream, and common chub. The study focused on the survival rates of developing eggs and the spatial orientation of embryos at the blastopore closure stage. The results reveal a differential effect of EMF on fish egg survival. Pike and sea trout eggs exhibited increased mortality when exposed to EMF, whereas vimba bream and common chub eggs showed no significant increase in mortality. The findings regarding embryo orientation under EMF exposure suggest possible changes in spatial orientation, although statistical analysis does not conclusively confirm this. Clear results were observed in the natural geomagnetic field of the Earth, with embryos showing a tendency to align along the north-south axis. In conclusion, although the study did not definitively confirm or exclude the influence of EMF on the survival and spatial orientation of embryos in the fish species studied, the findings provide important insights into the discussion about the impact of anthropogenic EMF on fish embryogenesis.