Evaluation of the genotoxicity of mineral water in polyethylene terephthalate bottles exposed to solar radiation and temperature at variable timescale

Abstract

AbstractMost bottling companies in Ethiopia use polyethylene terephthalate bottles to package. However, less attention is given to toxic chemicals that could migrate from packaging material into the water. This study aims to assess leaching and toxicological conditions in PET bottled water due to prolonged storage and exposure to direct sunlight. Allium cepa test was used to determine mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnet’s multiple comparison test were used. P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The higher chromosomal aberrations and the lowest mitotic index were significantly observed at high temperature (35°C) for one month at P < 0.000. The lower mitotic index was correlated with growth cycle disturbance leading to cell growth reduction. Further investigation is recommended to describe the mechanism and rate of migration of chemicals from water samples supplied in PET bottle.