Caryologia (Apr 2022)
Chromosomes damage by sewage water studies in the Allium cepa L. and Zea mays L.
Abstract
The effect of sewage water of the three locations Khardah, Titagarh, Madhyamgram and Control (distilled H2O) 24 Parganas (North), West Bengal, on the chromosomes damage studies in the onion (Allium cepa L.) and maize plant (Zea mays L.) were investigated by employing root chromosomal aberration assay. Physiochemical analysis showed the pH is acidic in nature. Few elements: Fe, Mn and Zn of the Khardah sewage water exceeded Indian Standard 10500:2012 and WHO (2006) permissible limits, whereas Cl, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Cd are more or less within limit of the standard condition. The data obtained showed a decreased cell reproduction and the presence of deviation from the normal mitosis. The mitotic index decreased significantly (p Madhyamgram (41.70) > Titagarh (33.85) > Khardah (31.57) in Allium cepa L. and Control (49.33) > Titagarh (21.45) > Madhyamgram (26.47) > Khardah (24.05) in Zea mays L. The chromosomal aberrations: Karyorrhexis, Karyolysis, Fragments, Lagging chromosome, Anaphase bridges are in a significant amount in crops treated with sewage waste water than the control condition. Heavy metals contaminated pollution in the sewage water sample has cytotoxic effect on cells and threat to water ecosystem and human health.
