Effect of Electromagnetic Field on Growth Parameters, Survival Rate, Sex Distribution, Ratio, and Liver and Gonadal Health of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Çek Ş., Ünal E., Doğan E. A., Yaraş K. U., Dede K., Karaaslan M.

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, cilt.115, sa.3, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 115 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00128-025-04103-z
  • Dergi Adı: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC, Public Affairs Index
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Electromagnetic pollution, Health, Histology, Sexual differentiation
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study examines the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) sex ratio, survival, and organ health. Embryos were exposed to static EMFs for 63 days post-hatching across five aquariums, with varying intensities based on distance (30–99 cm). The control group remained EMF-free. The strongest exposure (30 cm) led to 100% feminization (p < 0.001), with all exposed groups showing significant deviations from the expected 1:1 sex ratio. Survival rates dropped below 35% in EMF-exposed groups, compared to 82.5% in controls. Histological analysis revealed gonadal abnormalities, necrosis, and liver degeneration in exposed fish. These findings provide the first documented evidence that EMF exposure disrupts sex ratios and health in fish, potentially affecting population stability in aquatic ecosystems. The predominance of females suggests long-term ecological consequences that could impact biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.