[The effect of low-frequency electromagnetic fields on living organisms]

This report studies effect of alternating low-frequency electromagnetic fields (Bm = 5-21.5 mT, f = 50 Hz, duration of exposure t = 0-24 min) on viability of bacteria Escherichia coli. We have shown that the growth of bacteria is impaired the electromagnetic field. Their ability to form colonies on a solid medium decreases in dependence on magnitude of magnetic field and on duration of exposure. The growth curve is influenced by the electromagnetic field as well. Effects of electromagnetic fields are independent of biological age in first four hours of their growth. We have found no morphological changes in bacterial systems in electromagnetic field by optical microscope. Viability of bacteria is bigger in a liquid medium and less in a solid medium. Bacteriophage BF 23 attach less to bacteria influenced by electromagnetic field. And finally, magnetic field did not make induction of production of bacteriophage. This effect indicates, that magnetic field did not damage DNA of exposed bacteria.