EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD EMITTED BY TRANSMISSION TOWERS ON THE GROWTH OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena) SEEDS

Research Proposal By: Ryne Francis Aboga Joseph Bernard C. Dalusong John Angelo D. Mariano IV Einstein

Introduction:

I. Background of the Study

Studies in the past years show that electric transmission towers emitted an electromagnetic radiation that concerns the health of biological systems such as human beings. However, few beings. researchers have studied about its effects on plant growth. growth.

Rather than broadening the studies about the negative sides of electromagnetic fields, this study seeks to harness the electromagnetic radiation emitted by such towers and prove its benefits to plant growth. This paper growth. has been proposed to present the effects of electromagnetic field on Eggplant seeds growing. growing.

Based on the research of researchers, agricultural growing towers is a good way of growing plants. It plants. does not have chemicals that could affect the plants genetic structure and its environment. environment.

It harnesses the potential of atmospheric electricity. And it also electricity. produces better crops, fruits, and vegetable than other chemical plant enhancers. enhancers.

The application of electricity that can help in plant growth is called Electro culture. It can culture. help in accelerating the growth of the plant and improved crop quality. quality.

It can also help in preventing the plants from disease, insects and frost. The farmers frost. can grow crops much faster and can grow better crops with little effort. effort.

II. Statement of the Problem

Electric Towers emit an electromagnetic field (EMF) within their respective radius. radius. This study seeks if EMFs could affect the growth of crops as they were commonly placed alongside plantations. plantations.

The researchers would like to know if Eggplant (Solanum melongena) seeds planted under Electromagnetic field exposure would have significant effects on the crop. crop.

III. Hypothesis

Ho:

There would be significant effect on the growth of eggplant seeds. Ha: There would be no significant effect on the growth of eggplant seeds.

IV. Significance of the Study

This study aims to contribute to the field of agriculture. Rather than planting crops that receive no benefit from such radiations, locals that have an electric tower near them could plant eggplants instead. Since these EMF accelerates the growth and yield of the products, thus increasing fruit succulence.

V. Scopes and
Limitations

This study is an investigation on how Electromagnetic Fields could affect the growth of Eggplant seeds under a uniform electric field.  Limitations: This study is limited only to Electromagnetic field radiation emitted by Electric transmission towers replicated.
 Scope:

Review of Related Literature

Eggplants belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which also includes tomatoes, sweet peppers and potatoes. They grow in a manner much like tomatoes, hanging from the vines of a plant that grows several feet in height.

While the different varieties do range slightly in taste and texture, one can generally describe the eggplant as having a pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture [1].

Seven proposed biotech eggplant multilocation trial sites got the green light from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in December 2009. Based on technical findings of the BT eggplant technology, the multilocation trials will have very low level of environmental risk. The results of the initial environment examination (IEE) contain conditions to be followed during the conduct of the field trial experiments. [2].

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Some people worry about EMF exposure leading to cancer and leukemia. But evidence is weak. These fields may or may not affect your health [3].

Electromagnetic fields of all frequencies represent one of the most common and fastest growing environmental influences. All populations are now exposed to varying degrees of EMF, and the levels will continue to increase as technology advances.

As part of its Charter to protect public health and in response to public concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the International EMF Project in 1996 to assess the scientific evidence of possible health effects of EMF in the frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz [4].

A transmission tower (colloquially termed an electricity pylon in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, an ironman in Australia, and a hydro tower in parts of Canada) is a tall structure, usually a steel lattice tower (criss-crossed framework), used (crissto support an overhead power line.

Atmospheric Electricity is a result of the potential difference between any point on the surface of the negatively charged earth and the other in the positively charged air above it. Earths electromagnetic network consists of thunderstorms and Polar Aurora effects. Capturing atmospheric electricity means to exploit the electrostatic potential of gradient of the Earth [6].

An electromagnetic coil is formed when a conductor, a loop of wire, is turned around a core to create an electromagnet or inductor. They are usually coated in varnish and insulating tape to add more insulation. A completed coil assembly is called a winding.

Then a transformer composed of a primary winding and secondary winding is used to transfer energy from one electrical circuit to another. As self induction is larger for larger coil diameter the current in a thick wire tries to flow on the inside. The ideal use of copper is achieved by foils [7].

Methodology

First, Eggplant seeds were chosen. Then the seeds were steeped in water for 6 hours. Two setups would then be prepared. The first setup is the controlled setup; it would have the seeds planted on the soil inside a plastic container and would receive no electromagnetic field radiation.

The experimental setup would have the seeds planted on the soil inside a plastic container which would receive uniform electromagnetic field radiation.

It involves a metal-foilmetal-foilcovered small weather balloon, tethered to the chicken wire grid by an electrically conducting wire and a parallel thin plastic tube and such a tube could allow easily replenishing it.

All of the functionality of the rigid tower/sphere would exist, but with far less weight and cost involved. Both setups would receive the same sunlight and water and would be observed for seven days.

Gathering Materials

Preparation of Materials

Making Different Setups

Set up A: Controlled

Setup B: Experimental

20 Eggplant seeds planted on plastic box Without Uniform Electromagnetic Field Received

20 Eggplant seeds planted on plastic box With Uniform Electromagnetic Field Received

Receives sunlight and 25ml water everyday for 7 days

Receives sunlight and 25ml water everyday for 7 days

Quantification and Analysis

Results and Discussions

Conclusion

Bibliography

[1] Source: Newsletter of Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II. USAID Completes Biosafety Review of Eggplant Multiloc Proposal. Accessed July 15, 2011 http://www.isaaa.org/programs/supportprojects/ab spii/download/ABSP_Newsletter_vol5.pdf [2] Source: Electromagnetic Fields. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Accessed July 15, 2011 http://www.who.int/pehhttp://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/ [3] Source: Electromagnetic Fields: Medline Plus. Electromagnetic Fields, Also called EMFs Accessed July 18, 2011 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/electromagnet icfields.html

[4] Source: WHFiids. WHFoods: Eggplant. Accessed July 18, 2011 http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbi d=22 [5] Source: Transmission Tower. Transmission Tower. Accessed July 15, 2011. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/wind-powerhttp://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/wind-powerelectricalelectrical-tower.php [6] Source: GreenDiary. Capturing free atmospheric electricity: Feasibility and Challenges Accessed July 18, 2011 http://www.greendiary.com/entry/capturing-freehttp://www.greendiary.com/entry/capturing-freeatmospheric-electricity-feasibility-andatmospheric-electricity-feasibility-and-challenges/ [7] Source: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Coil, Electromagnetic coils Accessed July 18, 2011 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coil

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