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, vol.115, no.3, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 115 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00128-025-04103-z
  • Journal Name: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC, Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: Electromagnetic pollution, Health, Histology, Sexual differentiation
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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.