Evaluating the Effects of an EMF Device Intended to Mitigate Hypoxia on the Biology of Wild Fish

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Over the past five years, EM Fluids of Ottawa (ON) has made a highly disruptive discovery that the physicochemical properties of water respond to highly specific signals generated by electromagnetic devices. With a power input of less than 0.1 watt, these signal can affect the physicochemical properties of water as far as 150 metres from the transducer (i.e., the "EMF device"). Notably, the device increases the interfacial gas transfer rate such that it is possible to rapidly increase dissolved oxygen concentrations in surface waters. Although there is no electromagnetic emission detectable outside the device, there remain uncertainties regarding if the device impacts aquatic life such as fish. This uncertainty impedes the ability to consider broader roll-outs in the field. This partnership brings together an applied fish ecologist (Dr. Cooke) and a limnologist (Dr. Vermaire) with engineers from EM Fluids in a collaborative framework to evaluate the effects of the EMF device on fish. Field and lab studies will be conducted to determine if the device has any negative effects on fish behaviour, physiology, condition and survival. There is a dire need to develop solutions that mitigate issues such as hypoxia so resolving this issue has the potential to enable the restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems. Through direct interaction between the academic research team and industry partner, knowledge will be transferred to inform future design refinements and application of this device.