Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Oxidative Stress and Physiological Parameters of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L. Cv. Golia)

Abstract

High-frequency-electromagnetic field radiation is widespread in urban and rural environment stemming from increasing use of mobile phones and wireless communication devices. In this study, the effects of two different radio frequency-modulated electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs; 900 MHz, 28 V/m and 1800 MHz, 14 V/m) on wheat seeds were studied for 15 days. Samples were collected after 2, 4 and 15 days of RF-EMF application, and germination characteristics, oxidative stress and related parameters were analyzed. Both RF-EMF exposures (2 days; 8 hours per day) decreased amylase activity and reduced sugar content of the germinating seeds. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD) and nonprotein SH levels decreased but ascorbate peroxidase activity (APX), lipid peroxidation and dehydroascorbate (DAsA) levels increased in 4 and 15 days old leaves of wheat. Physiological parameters, such as root and leaf lengths, fresh and dry weight also decreased significantly in the exposed groups. RF-EMF exposure caused important oxidative stress in different stages of wheat. This study has shown that RF-EMF exposure in the modernizing world may be a threat for wheat which is a very important source of nutrients.