Low-frequency electromagnetic fields elevate oxidative stress in tobacco plants

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.59625130110

• Palavras-chave: Campos electromagnéticos; Estrés oxidativo; Ascorbato peroxidasa, Catalasa, Planta de tabaco.

• Keywords: Electromagnetic fields; Oxidative stress; Ascorbate peroxidase, Catalase, Tobacco plant.

• Abstract: There is growing global interest in the biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, especially extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) in the environment. While the harmful effects of magnetic fields on humans are yet to be proven, oxidative stress is suggested as a potential cause of adverse effects from ELF-EMFs. This study examined the impact of ELF-EMFs on enzyme activity in tobacco plants under oxidative stress. Nicotiana tabacum (L.) seedlings of the Xanthi variety were continuously exposed to 2.0 mT and 60 Hz ELF-EMFs for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The biochemical markers measured included ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities in leaf and root extracts. Increased APX and CAT enzyme activities were observed in leaf extracts after 48, 72, and 96 hours of magnetic field exposure. Additionally, magnetic field exposure elevated APX enzyme activity in root extracts at 48 and 72 hours, and CAT enzyme activity at 48, 72, and 96 hours. In contrast, 24-hour ELF-EMF exposure did not affect APX and CAT enzyme activities in leaf and root extracts. All treatments were compared with a properly sham-exposed control. These findings suggest that ELF-EMFs induce oxidative stress, potentially enhancing the oxidative defense system in tobacco plants.