• experimental
  
• epidemiological
  

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Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Cell phone radiations affect early growth of Vigna radiata (mung bean) through biochemical alterations. med./biol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
To study the effects of cell phone electromagnetic fields on germination and growth of mung bean.
Background/further details:
Additionally, the changes in biomolecules and some enzyme activities were investigated to better understand the mechanism of action of mobile phones on early growth of plants.
Five sets of 50 seeds were divided into four exposure groups (exposed for 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h) and one control group. Exposed seeds were allowed to germinate and grow for seven days before measurements were performed.

Endpoint

• effects on plants: germination and growth

Exposure
General category: mobile phone, digital mobile phone, GSM

Field characteristics	Parameters
900 MHz exposure duration: continuous for 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h	power flux density: 8.55 µW/cm² average over time

Exposed system:
plant (species/strain): mung bean (Vigna radiata)/Wilczek cv. ML-5

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• molecular biosynthesis: contents of proteins and carbohydrates in root tissue
• cell function: enzyme activities in root tissue (alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase)
• others: effects on plants: root and plumule growth (length); germination; dry weight; contents of proteins and carbohydrates (see "molecular biosynthesis"); enzyme activities (see "cell function")

Main outcome of study (according to author)
Exposure to cell phone electromagnetic fields affected the germination of mung beans depending upon the time of exposure: There was no change in seed germination when the seeds were exposed for less or equal two hours. However, exposure to an electromagnetic field for 4 h reduced the germination by 50%.
Additionally, cell phone exposure significantly reduced the seedling length and dry weight of mung bean after exposure for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h.
Furthermore, the contents of proteins and carbohydrates were reduced in electromagnetic field exposed plants. However, the enzyme activities of proteases, alpha-amylases, beta-amylases, polyphenol oxidases, and peroxidases were enhanced in mobile phone exposed radicles indicating their role in providing protection against electromagnetic field-induced stress.
The authors conclude that cell phone electromagnetic fields impair early growth of mung bean seedlings by inducing biochemical changes.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• not stated

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