Inhibition of The Growth and Toxicity of Cyanobacterium Chroococcus minutus Using Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Document Type : Regular issue (Original Article)

Authors

1 Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

2 Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

Abstract

THE EFFECTS of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the growth and synthesis of microcystins (MCs) production of the harmful cyanobacterium Chroococcus minutus were examined by exposing cyanobacterial cells to various ELF-EMF frequencies (0.1–1Hz) for various exposure times (10–60min). C. minutus cultures exposed to ELF-EMF at a frequency of 0.5Hz for 40min had significantly fewer cells than the control. Under these conditions, intracellular and extracellular (MCs) and chlorophyll-a concentrations also decreased significantly. Within 48h, no extracellular MCs were detected in cultures exposed to ELF-EMF for 60min. This study offers an eco-friendly technique for removing harmful cyanobacterial toxins from water resources. By degrading extracellular MCs after cell lysis, ELF-EMF is non-destructive, non-reactive and safe for the environment. In addition, it prevents additional aquatic environmental pollution input.

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