Effect of mobile tower radiations on Pollinators

Entomology
1

Do the insect pollinators get affected by mobile tower radiations ?

2

Dear HS Raina

Insect pollinators can be affected by mobile tower radiations, though the extent of the impact is still being researched:

1. Disruption of Navigation and Orientation

  • Bees rely on their ability to sense Earth’s magnetic fields, visual cues, and chemical signals for navigation.
  • Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile towers can interfere with these natural mechanisms, causing disorientation, impaired foraging ability, and difficulty returning to their hives or nests.

2. Physiological and Behavioral Changes

  • Studies have suggested that exposure to RF-EMR can lead to changes in insect physiology resulting in increased stress levels and altered enzyme activity.
  • Behavioral changes, such as reduced feeding efficiency or avoidance of areas near towers, have also been observed.

3. Reproductive Health

  • Research indicates that electromagnetic radiation might impact insect reproduction by reducing sperm quality or affecting egg-laying behavior.

4. Population Decline

  • While habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are major contributors to pollinator decline, RF-EMR from mobile towers could exacerbate the problem by adding to the environmental stressors.

Key Evidences

  • Honeybee Behavior and Colony Health
    • A 2011 study by Sharma and Kumar published in “Current Science” found that honeybee colonies exposed to mobile tower radiation showed significant behavioral changes. These included:
    • Reduced worker bee activity.
    • Poor foraging efficiency.
    • Reduced queen bee egg-laying capacity.
    • Premature death of worker bees.
  • Result: Long-term exposure led to a decline in the strength of the hive and eventual colony collapse.
  • Electromagnetic Radiation on Insects’ Nervous System
    • A study by Lázaro et al. (2020) in “The Science of Nature” demonstrated that high-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can interfere with the nervous system of insects. Effects observed include:
    • Impairment of sensory systems (used for communication and navigation).
    • Increased vulnerability to predators due to reduced awareness.
  • Impact on Bumblebees
    • Research published in the journal “PLOS ONE” in 2016 highlighted that bumblebees exposed to electromagnetic fields showed reduced ability to detect flowers. This was linked to disruptions in their magnetoreception capabilities, which they rely on to navigate.
  • Mortality and DNA Damage
    • A 2021 study in “Ecotoxicology” investigated RF-EMR’s impact on insect DNA integrity. The findings showed:
    • Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage in exposed insects.
    • This could affect long-term viability, reproduction, and adaptation to changing environments.

Hope this helps you!