Genotoxic effect of two commonly used textile dyes Reactive Blue 19 and Reactive Black 5 using Allium cepa L. as an indicator

Abstract

In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Reactive Blue 19 and Reactive Black 5 were investigated using the Allium test and comet assay. These chemicals are fabric dyes used in textile industries in various parts of Turkey. Bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 ppm) of these textile dyes for 24 h. and 48 h. The root tips were processed for cytological studies by the aseto-orcein squash procedure. Distilled water and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS, 10 ppm) were used as an negative and positive control, respectively. Exposure of Reactive Blue 19 and Reactive Black 5 significantly decreased mitotic index values. Additionally, all treatments changed the frequency of mitotic phases when compared with the control groups. These dyes increased chromosome aberrations in test material. Among these abnormalities were anaphase bridges, c-mitosis, laggards, micronuclei and stickiness. A significant increase in DNA damage was also observed at all concentrations of both Reactive Blue 19 and Reactive Black 5 examined by comet assay.