title: Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of water samples from the Monjolinho River (Brazil) after receiving untreated effluents.
abstract: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity assays, using the Allium cepa test-system, were carried out in order to evaluate the effects of domestic and industrial effluents in the Monjolinho River in different seasons of the year. In the summer and intermediate seasons, chromosome aberration, micronuclei, cell death and inhibition of the mitotic index were observed in water samples collected at different sites. In the winter, either chromosome or cellular alterations were not observed. Through chemical analysis, we infer that the excessive metals such as Pb, Ni and Cu were mainly responsible for the effects observed in A. cepa cells. Limnologic analysis like electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and the presence of nitrogen and phosphated compounds showed that the river's contamination is due to organic matter discharge along its course. Moreover we note that this river had a higher self-depurative capacity at the end of its course, before its confluence with the Jacaré-Guaçu River.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, CEP 13506-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jaqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Evaldo Luiz Gaeta
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Espindola
authors.forename: Maria Aparecida
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Marin-Morales
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D009153:Mutagens / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D019697:Onions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D014872:Water Movements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D009153:Mutagens; D010710:Phosphates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D009584:Nitrogen