Physiological Responses of
Plants to 2.45 Ghz Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation
Meenu L, Aiswarya S, Menon UKA, Menon SK. Physiological Responses of
Plants to 2.45 Ghz Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation. 2025 IEEE Microwaves, Antennas, and Propagation Conference (MAPCON), Kochi, India, 2025, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/MAPCON65020.2025.11426735.
This research investigates the effects of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic
radiation(EMR) exposure on the germination process of high-quality pea
seeds, while simultaneously assessing the influence of the same on plant
growth hormones. The germinating seeds are observed in a controlled
environment over a 7-day period and subjected to varying intensities of
electromagnetic radiation exposure along with monitoring of all the
influences from the external environment. The experimental findings
reveal that the germinating seeds exposed to electromagnetic radiation
from the router exhibited growth retardation ranging from 21.5 % to 57.0
% depending upon the intensity and duration of electromagnetic
radiation exposure. The study could act as a proof of concept to an
extent in proving that the long term exposure of EMR can inhibit at
least the plant growth hormones. These findings highlight the need for a
more profound understanding of the environmental consequences of
electromagnetic radiation and its intricate relationship with plant
growth hormones. This research could also act as scientific evidence
proving the ill effects of electromagnetic radiation towards living
beings.
Methodology
A
better understanding of the effects of EMR on the living components can
be analyzed by conducting experimental investigations on plant
community. Pea (Mung bean) seed is taken as the test sample and is
placed under the EM source. The Linksys E4200A router is used as the
electromagnetic source in a controlled environment. It is characterised
by simultaneous dual frequency operation at 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz with 2×3 on 2.45 GHz and 3×3
on 5 GHz MIMO mode. It helps the router to transmit multiple signals
for a period of time to improve its communication system. The existence
of 6 internal antennas in the router, all operating at 2.45 GHz have the
gain of 3.6 dBi [21].
So the amount of EMR that exists in the controlled environment is
higher. Over the entire period of the experimentation, 5 GHz frequency
is disabled. The operation of Linksys E4200A router is enabled at 2.45
GHz frequency band. Experiment is carried out in a controlled
environment at a temperature of 27±2∘C
and humidity of 45 %. For monitoring the effect of seed germination in
the presence of electromagnetic waves, 10 pea seeds of the same quality
are placed in four plane dishes at four different distances from the
selected EM source. All the seeds are of the same quality and quantity
and are provided with the same atmospheric conditions. Basic idea behind
the selection of distance is that the effect of electromagnetic waves,
the selected frequency of the router and the impact of radiation at
these linear distances are varied. The distances are as follows:
The
characteristics of these distances are in such a way that the first one
is very close to the router in the near field region. The second and
the third locations are at far fields from the antennas present in the
router. Three planar inverted F antennas within the routers are active
when 2.45 GHz frequency is enabled and the EM waves emitted are the
combinations of individual antennas. Equal amounts of water that are
adequate for germination of seeds under normal conditions are
maintained. Same amount of pea seeds are also placed in the area where
there is no influence of EMR from the router. The absence of EMR is
verified using an Electromagnetic Radiation Detector (PCE-EM 29) by
analyzing the electric and magnetic field in the specified location.
This is to analyze the difference in growth rate with and without the
involvement of EMR. Fig. 1
represents the experimental setup of the proposed germination study.
Growth rates of each pea seed in individual dishes are monitored for
analyzing the dependency of electromagnetic waves on germination. The
variation in germination of pea seeds at three different distances from
the router and without the involvement of EMR (No EMR) on the zeroth and
seventh day are shown in Fig 2. From the experimentation, variations in growth rates are monitored and the observations are recorded for detailed analysis.
Conclusion
This research investigates the relationship between electromagnetic
radiation (EMR) exposure from a router and its effects on plant growth.
By placing high-quality pea seeds at varying distances from the EM
source and closely monitoring their germination over a week. The
presence of EMR influences plant growth hormones, impacting the
germination and growth of pea seeds. The average growth rates of seeds
exposed to EMR were notably lower compared to the group without the
influence of EMR, showcasing the direct effect of EMR on plant growth
hormone activity. This provides scientific evidence on the influence
of EMR on the plant physiological factors. Future research should expand
the scope by conducting dose-response analyses to determine EMR
thresholds, investigate molecular mechanisms at the genetic and
biochemical levels, and extend observation periods to assess long-term
effects on plant growth. The investigations are required to extend and
evaluate the physiological responses of plants under EMR exposure across
a broad spectrum of frequencies including the advanced 5G FR1 and FR2
bands to better understand their potential impacts on plant growth,
metabolism, and hormonal activity. Additionally, studies should explore
variations in plant species responses, conduct field studies to
understand real-world implications, and develop mitigation strategies to
minimize adverse effects of EMR. Collaborative efforts with
policymakers and public awareness campaigns are crucial to establishing
guidelines and educating communities about the environmental impacts of
EMR.
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Some Aspects of Good Practice for Safe Use of Wi-Fi, Based on Experiments and Standards
Gorbāns
I, Aleksejs Jurenoka A. Some Aspects of Good Practice for Safe Use of
Wi-Fi, Based on Experiments and Standards. Applied Computer Systems.
2019. 24(2):161-165. https://doi.org/10.2478/acss-2019-0020.
Abstract
The aim of the research is to study the effect of microwave Wi-Fi
radiation on humans and plants. The paper investigates national
standards for permissible exposure levels to microwave radiation,
measures electric field intensity and justifies the point of view
regarding the safe use of microwave technologies based on multiple plant
cultivation experiments at different distances from a Wi-Fi router. The
results demonstrate that the radiation of Wi-Fi routers significantly
impairs the growth, development, yield and unexpected drought resistance
of plants at short distances from the microwave source (up to 1 m to 2
m; –33 dBm to –43 dBm; >10 V/m). Slight effects are found up to about
4.5 m from a full-power home Wi-Fi router. As a result, suggestions are
made for safe and balanced use of modern wireless technologies, which
can complement occupational safety and health regulations.
Conclusion
1. Further research is needed to more accurately and reasonably
determine the allowable microwave radiation norms, it is possible that
currently allowable norms may require a reduction in the future, as
plants show poor growth and yield results not only in the close distance
that does not meet the norms but also in the immediate areas to the
radiation source, where radiation limits are not exceeded.
Conclusion
2. However, for now, the most productive approach might be not to
immediately set a lower allowable electric field intensity level, but to
recommend placing the devices at a greater distance from long-term
places of stay. It is possible to specify certain distances: a
full-power home wireless router is considered to be completely harmless
to a living being if it is at least 4.5 m to 5 m away, but it is very
harmful up to 2 m. Thus, a Wi-Fi router should not be located on one’s
desk or nearby shelf.
Conclusion 3. It is useful to invite the
public to adjust home wireless routers, access points, repeaters to
lower power, such as 2/5 or 3/5 of the maximum; it is recommended to
turn off routers when they are not in use; to hold cell phones at least
10 cm from the head during a call, hands-free devices are desirable.
There is no reason to delay ICT progress, as meaningful and healthy use
of Wi-Fi is possible if one is aware of the risks, formal norms and best
practice recommendations provided in the present study.
