Impact of Electromagnetic Radiation on Honey Stomach Ultrastructure and the Body Chemical Element Composition of Apis mellifera

Abstract

The current study evaluated the effect of electromagnetic radiation on the stomach cells of honey bee foragers. Normal cells are distinguished by different heights with well-developed muscular layers and an internal plasma membrane. During our study we used a mobile phone (Samsung F400) with the provider Vodafone, Egypt and a carrier frequency range of 900–1900 MHz. Bee workers were captured while returning from the field to the hive (about 23 days old). When honey bee foragers were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 20 min, the stomach cells were completely decayed. With regard to stomach cells which were exposed for 10 min, some parts of the cells were completely lysed, appeared as a thin tubular-like layer, or as compact mass, and the internal plasma membranes were not clear. Also, the chemical element composition of the cells exposed to 10 min of mobile phone radiation was affected as follows: Mg, Ca, Zn and Fe elements were significantly increased, while sulphate elements were significantly decreased. The current study demonstrated that mobile phone radiation is harmful to honey bee stomach cells, and we recommend limiting the use of mobile phones near hives.