Genotoxicity assessment in aquatic environment impacted by the presence of heavy metals.
The aim of this study was to access the genotoxic potential of Extremoz Lake waters in Northeastern Brazilian coast, using the Allium cepa system, piscine micronucleus test and comet assay. In addition, heavy metal levels were quantified by atomic absorption flame spectrometry. The results of the A. cepa system showed significant changes in the frequency of chromosome aberrations and in the mitotic index compared to negative control. No significant changes were observed in micronuclei frequency in the erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus. The comet assay showed a statistically significant alteration in the level of DNA breaks of O. niloticus. Chemical analysis detected an increase in heavy metal levels in different sampling periods. These results point out a state of deterioration of water quality at Extremoz Lake, caused by heavy metal contamination and genotoxic activity. It is recommended to establish a monitoring program for the presence of genotoxic agents in this water lake.
Barbosa
J S
JS
Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Campus Universitário, Lagoa Nova, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil.
Cabral
T M
TM
Ferreira
D N
DN
Agnez-Lima
L F
LF
de Medeiros
S R Batistuzzo
SR
D000818:Animals; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005399:Fishes; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000145:classification / Q000633:toxicity*; D048629:Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective / Q000139:chemically induced; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D008940:Mitotic Index; D009153:Mutagens / Q000145:classification / Q000633:toxicity*; D019697:Onions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000145:classification / Q000633:toxicity*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D009153:Mutagens; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical