Impact of alternating electromagnetic field of ultralow and low frequencies upon survival, development, and production parameters in Daphnia magna straus (Crustacea, Cladocera)

The impact of alternating magnetic field (AMF) of ultralow and low frequencies during a sevenday-long exposure on Daphnia magna Straus was studied. It is shown that AMF may decrease the survival and the time it takes to reach sexual maturity. AMF with a frequency of 500 Hz has the most pronounced negative impact upon survival and maturation. AMF of 50 Hz accelerates maturation. In a chronic experiment at 500 Hz, the share of vital offspring increased, while the sizes of newborns decreased in parent specimens that matured under the impact of a magnetic field. The action of a 500 Hz AMF on daphnias before littering of offspring leads to an increase in the number of newborns in the reproductive period.