Abstract
The continous production and release of chemicals into the environment have led to the need to assess their chemical composition and genotoxic effects on cell reproduction. Two petrochemicals, air liquid and polyester resin effluents were assessed. The common onion of the purple variety was used as the test organism. The results of the chemical analysis of the wastewaters showed high concentration of some potentially mutagenic heavy metals. The effects of the wastewaters and their dilutions on root tip mitosis were mitodepressive. The mitotic index (MI%) were 14.0, 5.3 and 4.1 in control, air liquid and polyester resin effluents, respectively. The MI (%) values estimated across concentrations ranged from 15.1 in control to 5.5 in undiluted effluent. Percent abnormal dividing cells increased with increase in wastewater concentration. Abnormal dividing cells observed ranged from C-mitotic effects to precocious chromosomes and anaphase bridges. These findings indicate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these wastewaters on Allium cepa chromosomes. Positive results on Allium chromosomes could serve as indicator of the deleterious effects of these wastewaters on other organisms at the point of discharge – either on land or water bodies. The need for sound sewerage system that would protect flora and fauna in the ecosystem is advocated. Key words: Chromosome, ecosystem, heavy metal, mitosis, mutation.
Highlights
High rate of industrialization means high rate of development
The continous production and release of chemicals into the environment have led to the need to assess their chemical composition and genotoxic effects on cell reproduction
Abnormal dividing cells observed ranged from C-mitotic effects to precocious chromosomes and anaphase bridges
Summary
High rate of industrialization means high rate of development Compounds such as agricultural products, food additives, pharmaceuticals, chemotherapeutic agents and several others produced in different industries are for the well-being of any nation, the processes they undergo in these industries to come out as useful products lead to discharge of effluents into the environment. Abu et al 2741 discharge of effluents into the environment by local industries without treatment has been accompanied with pollution (Odeigah et al, 1997) Allium cepa is one of those plants that have been used in different studies to detect chromosome aberrations induced by chemicals since it was first introduced by Levan (1938) and later was proposed as a standard method for the testing of chemicals, in environmental monitoring and in toxicity screening of wastewater and river water (Fiskesjö, 1985a; 1985b; 1993)
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