The use of Allium cepa L. assay as bioindicator for the investigation of genotoxic effects of industrial waste water

Abstract

In this study, genotoxic potential of industrial waste water (IWW) samples was investigated using Allium cepa assay. The root tips were treated with different IWW samples (A, B and C) for 48 hours. The effects of IWW oncytological effects were determined. It was found that all IWW samples significantly increased the percentage of total abnormality. Mitotic chromosomal abnormalities such as irregular metaphase, stickiness, c-mitosis, micronucleus,vagrant chromosomes and bridges were determined. Furthermore, a significant reduction for the mitotic index that isindicative of cellular toxicity was observed in root tips cells, which were treated with IWW samples. A. cepa assaycan be used as useful tool for the detection of genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of IWWs.

Keywords

• allium cepa assay
• mitotic index
• waste water