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What Type of Microorganisms Are Found Under Power Lines?

Power lines can emanate high- and low-frequency electromagnetic fields in their immediate location. Within this field, an array of living things, such as humans, animals and microorganisms can be affected. A microorganism is a living organism that is too small to be seen by the human eye alone. Some examples are fungi, bacteria and algae.

Types of Microorganisms
- The types of microorganisms that reside below power lines are bacteria, fungi and algae found in the soil. These microorganisms are what makes the Earth's surface fertile and able to produce plant growth.
Why they live near power lines
- Power lines are home to many microorganisms.
  
  Some studies have shown that some species can be attracted or repelled by the electromagnetic fields. This can be related to molecules that contain iron found in living organisms, or crystals of magnetite, a natural magnetic mineral. These magnetites are used to sense the direction of magnetic north in humans and bacteria.
EMF
- Electromagnetic fields are used to stimulate germination of seeds and speed up the growth of plants. Electromagnetic fields are force fields that carry energy and exist around power lines, appliances, light fixtures and electric wiring. Electromagnetic fields are generated only when a current flows through a wire.
Risks
- A 2009 study done at Megatrend University discovered that high and low frequencies of electromagnetic fields can cause rapid growth of rhizosphere microorganisms, alter movements of soil algae and can act as a stresser for bacteria. The rhizosphere is an area of the soil that influences the roots of plants. More microorganisms live in this region than any other soil region.
Stressers
- Stress on bacteria and fungi can cause the breakdown of organisms or sexual reproduction of organisms, which is a behavioral response to stress. Some examples of stressers are temperature changes and lack of food.

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