The response of Daphnia magna Straus to the long-term action of low-frequency magnetic fields

Abstract

We exposed Daphnia magna Straus to an extra-low-frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) for several sequential generations to study its affect on size and number of nonviable individuals in Daphnia offspring produced. The lines of D. magna were subjected to ELF MF over three months. The abundance, wet biomass, and morphometric parameters were measured for adults, first brood, and second brood over eight generations. Then, in order to find a maternal effect in the experimental lines of D. magna, separate tests were performed with the control and experimental lines. The number of nonviable offspring in the first five broods and newborns' body lengths in the first five broods were evaluated. The exposure of D. magna to ELF MF led to decreases in size and the biomass and changes in generalized variance of the measured morphometric parameters of Daphnids compared with the control. Daphnids from the experimental lines produced more viable and larger offspring in conditions of ELF MF action as compared with the control. These findings assess the impacts of magnetic fields influenced by anthropogenic factors on Daphnia and possibly the effects of laboratory equipment emitting ELF MF on Daphnia in experimental settings.

Keywords: Daphnia magna; Low-frequency magnetic field; Maternal effect; Reproductive success.