Effect of an electromagnetic field generated by power infrastructure on the spatial orientation of developing sea trout embryos Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758

Abstract

In recent decades, rapid technological advancements have led to a growing influence of anthropogenic electromagnetic fields on aquatic ecosystems. These fields predominantly stem from energy infrastructure facilities such as wind farms, high-voltage lines, underwater transmission cables, and power plants. As a result, there has been increasing interest in understanding the effects of heightened electromagnetic fields on aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants, including developing fertilized eggs. This study focused on examining the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by high-voltage lines and power transformers, which are integral to transmission nodes and power plants, on the directional axis of symmetry in sea trout Salmo trutta (Linnaeus, 1758) embryos and their survival rates. The research was carried out at “PGE Dolna Odra in Nowy Czarnów”, one of Poland’s largest power plants (53°12′34′′ N, 014°28′16′′ E). Two experimental sites were selected, with electromagnetic field values ranging from 1.36 to 5.28 μT at the first site and 8.97 to 14.18 μT at the second site. A control sample was also established in an area unaffected by anthropogenic electromagnetic fields. The study findings revealed that electromagnetic fields originating from energy infrastructure facilities significantly affect the spatial orientation of sea trout embryos. The embryos’ response was influenced to be influenced by both the strength and direction of the electromagnetic fields. At the first test site, lower field values caused deviations from the natural alignment axis in the geomagnetic field (north-south), resulting in a shift towards the primary field source. In contrast, the second test site, with higher electromagnetic field values, showed no significant spatial orientation in embryo alignment. Additionally, the study highlighted that higher electromagnetic field values accelerated the rate of embryogenesis but also led to an increased mortality rate among sea trout embryos.