Micronucleus test in Vicia faba root tips to detect mutagen damage in fresh-water pollution

Abstract

We have developed a micronucleus test in the root tips of Vicia faba, as a first alarm system for mutagen pollution of fresh water. The test can also give analytical results in the laboratory. Secondary root tips of Vicia faba were treated with mutagens, chromatoclastic and mitoclastic ones, which are known to have different modes of action (X-rays, methyl methanesulfonate, mitomycin C, ethidium bromide and colchicine). A number of variables (dose, exposure time, interval between treatment and fixing) were considered. The patterns of the micronucleus frequencies and of the ‘generating events’ (chromosome aberrations and mitotic anomalies) were compared. The micronucleus test in Vicia faba root tips showed a broad spectrum of mutagen damage, had low control levels, a good correlation between micronuclei and generating events and a good dose-effect relationship for both. This test has the sensitivity, reliability, low cost and manageability necessary for our purposes.