Around 2 billion people across the world consume contaminated water. Think about the tap water you drink today with no concern, the access you have to bottled water, the hot water you have in your house – is not to be taken for granted. Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects ecosystems and human health globally. It occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, microorganisms, or plastics, are introduced into water bodies, leading to their degradation. While there are several factors that contribute to water pollution, one that is often overlooked is the potential impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on water quality.
EMFs are produced by the flow of electrically charged particles, such as electrons, through conductive materials, such as wires. They are found in various forms, including radiofrequency radiation, microwave radiation, and electromagnetic radiation, among others. While EMFs are essential for many technological advancements, their increasing use has raised concerns about their impact on the environment and human health.
Read more here about the kind of factors that affect your exposure, how proximity can play a role here and how you can use EMF meters to gauge your exposure here.
Research has suggested that EMF exposure may affect the quality of water by altering the chemical and biological processes that determine its quality. For instance, this study has shown that EMFs may increase the solubility of certain chemicals in water, such as heavy metals, which are harmful to aquatic life and human health. As a result, exposure to EMFs may lead to an increase in the concentration of pollutants in water bodies, further contributing to water pollution.
Additionally, EMFs may alter the biological processes that occur in water bodies, leading to a decline in water quality. For example, some research such as this study has suggested that EMFs may affect the growth and development of aquatic organisms, such as fish and plankton, by disrupting their reproductive and developmental processes. This disruption can result in reduced populations of aquatic species, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem and further pollution of water bodies.
Moreover, EMFs may also interfere with the biological processes that control the formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can contaminate water and produce toxins harmful to human and animal health. The formation of HABs is influenced by several factors, including temperature, nutrient availability, and light exposure. However, recent studies have suggested that EMFs may also play a role in promoting HABs by altering the photosynthesis process in algae.
Interested in learning more about the link between EMF radiation & water? Read here about structured water, and here about why you should stay hydrated in this digital age.
Furthermore, EMFs can also affect the treatment of wastewater, which can contribute to the pollution of water bodies. Treatment plants use various methods, such as chemical treatments, sedimentation, and filtration, to remove pollutants from wastewater before discharging them into water bodies. However, exposure to EMFs can alter the effectiveness of these treatments, leading to an increase in the concentration of pollutants in the treated water.
We know that water pollution is a global environmental issue that poses significant risks to human health and the ecosystem and though there are several factors that contribute to water pollution, the potential impact of EMFs on water quality cannot be overlooked. The effects of EMF exposure on the chemical and biological processes that determine water quality can lead to an increase in the concentration of pollutants, promote harmful algal blooms, and affect the treatment of wastewater. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential impact of EMFs on water quality in the development and implementation of environmental policies and regulations.
