The decrease in diurnal oxygen production in Elodea under the influence of high geomagnetic variability: the role of light, temperature and atmospheric pressure

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have indicated adverse effects of geomagnetic disturbance on human health, including increased mortality. There is evidence from plant and animal studies that help to elucidate this interaction. This study tests the hypothesis that geomagnetic disturbance affects living systems, by modifying the metabolic process of photosynthesis, in the natural environment.Continuous 24-h measurements of dissolved oxygen in flasks containing Holtfreiter’s solution and strands of healthy Elodea were recorded from May 1996, until September 1998, in an electromagnetically quiet, purpose built, garden shed environment, without mains electricity. Sensormeter recordings of oxygen, light, temperature and air pressure were uploaded weekly to a PC. The hourly total geomagnetic field measurements were obtained from the nearest observatory.Significant decrease in oxygen (diurnal volume of oxygen divided by plant mass and diurnal light), (O/WL), was found on days of high geomagnetic field variability throughout 11 recorded months of the year 1997. This result was independent of temperature and atmospheric pressure. No significant decrease in O/WL during high geomagnetic variability was found for the 7 months recorded in 1996. The 1996 and 1997 data both showed a significant decrease in the diurnal time lag between peak light and peak oxygen for diurnal high geomagnetic variability compared with low geomagnetic variability. Cross correlation analysis for 1997 and 1998 data showed a decrease in positive correlation of oxygen with light in high geomagnetic variability, compared with low geomagnetic variability, and increased positive correlation with the geomagnetic field instead. These experiments support a hypothesis of high geomagnetic field variability as a weak zeitgeber, and a metabolic depressant for photosynthetic oxygen production in plants.

Cryptochrome and quantum biology: unraveling the mysteries of plant magnetoreception

“…The metabolic processes of plants, including the vital process of photosynthesis, can be altered by geomagnetic disturbance. Davies (2023) observed a decrease in diurnal oxygen production in Elodea plants under high geomagnetic variability, suggesting that geomagnetic disturbance can affect the metabolic process of photosynthesis. Furthermore, the influence of the geomagnetic field on the metabolism of living organisms, including plants, has been supported by a plethora of studies (Erdmann et al, 2017).…”

“…One of the fascinating aspects of this field of study is the ability of plants to perceive and respond to varying magnetic fields. A study by Shine et al Davies (2023) has shed light on this phenomenon, demonstrating that plants can alter their gene expression and phenotype in response to specific features of the geomagnetic field. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding how geomagnetic triggers could lead to phenotypic changes in plants.…”

Hypomagnetic Conditions and Their Biological Action (Review)

“…It is noteworthy that magnetosomes and magnetotaxis are found in both eukaryotes (migratory songbirds, ungulates) and prokaryotes (iron-containing bacteria of the Magnetospirillum species) [20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. The reduction in daily oxygen production by Elodea plants was observed under conditions of high geomagnetic activity [27].…”