The Genotoxicity of NPK using fluorescent staining methods on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)

Abstract

NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) is a common fertilizer that farmers have been using for several years. In 2020, a 15-15-15 NPK was found to induce micronuclei formation when exposed to Juvenile African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Helen 2020). This study examines the genotoxicity of a 19-19-19 NPK on PBMCs using fluorescent staining methods through an MTT Assay, EtBr/AO Staining, Comet Assay, and Micronucleus Assay. The objective of the study is to determine the in vitro cytotoxicity of NPK. The study found that when PBMCs were exposed to the LC50 value of NPK for 24 hours, apoptosis and necrosis occurred, as well as several polynucleated cells. While there is a substantial amount of evidence for genotoxicity in an in vitro setting, more studies will be needed to conclude whether NPK causes in vivo cytotoxicity.