Jande Sylvester Gemanam, Aba Solomon Akiki
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from high-voltage power lines are potential environmental stressors for crops. Cassava, a staple food in sub-Saharan Africa, may exhibit altered physiological and biochemical profiles when cultivated under EMF exposure. This study investigated the relationship between EMF from a 33 kV power line and the proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity, cyanogenic glycosides, and oxidative stress biomarkers in cassava tubers. Cassava samples (variety TME 419) were collected at distances of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 50 m from a 33 kV power line in Apir, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. EMF intensity was measured using a TriField® EMF meter. Proximate composition (carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, moisture, ash), pH, titratable acidity, cyanogenic glycosides (HCN), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH antioxidant activity were analysed using standard protocols. Regression analysis was used to evaluate EMF-distance relationships. Linear regression revealed a significant inverse relationship between electric field strength and distance (β = -13.9044, R² = 0.74, p = 0.027). Magnetic field also decreased with distance (β = -0.0566, R² = 0.64, p = 0.056). Proximate composition showed no consistent trend across distances, with carbohydrate ranging from 63.18% to 74.95%. pH values ranged from 1.60 to 2.05, and cyanide concentration ranged from 0.013 to 0.35 mg HCN/kg, with no distance-dependent pattern. MDA levels showed irregular spikes (14.57–166.04), and TPC ranged from 13.92 to 158.63, also without consistent EMF correlation. Although EMF intensity decreased predictably with distance, no significant or consistent EMF-induced alterations were observed in cassava proximate composition, acidity, cyanogenic glycosides, or oxidative stress biomarkers. Cassava cultivated near 33 kV power lines in the study area retains its nutritional and biochemical integrity.