A study on genotoxicity of textile dyeing industry effluents from Rajshahi,Bangladesh, by the Allium cepa test

Textile dye effluents are believed to be toxic as they might exert various harmful effects on living organisms including genotoxicity. These effluents are the main source of direct and continuous input of pollutants into the aquatic ecosystems. In this study, dye effluents from a local silk dyeing industry were analysed for their genotoxic potential by the Allium cepa genotoxicity test. The A. cepa test is characterised as a genotoxicity test where the roots of A. cepa are grown in different concentrations of the test material. The macroscopic results clearly showed that the toxicity of the dye effluents prompted A. cepa root growth inhibition, and this effect increased with higher concentrations of the effluents. At the cellular level, no dividing cells were found at higher concentrations such as 60%, 80% and 100% of the effluents. However, at a lower concentration of 20%, dividing cells were identified, although the mitotic index was much lower than that of the control. Microscopic analysis showed that the dye effluents induced chromosomal aberrations at significant levels. Taken together, these results revealed that the textile dyeing industry effluents are toxic to eukaryotic cells and these dyes have genotoxic properties that can potentially lead to cancer development and adverse health conditions.     

Chromium binding by calf thymus nuclei and effects on chromatin

1. No binding of chromium was detected after incubation of calf thymus nuclei with hexavalent chromium up to 0.5 mM.

2. Chromium was readily taken up and tightly bound after incubation with trivalent chromium.

3. In a DNA‐filter binding assay, increasing amounts of chromium and DNA were bound with increasing chromium trichloride concentrations incubated with the nuclei.

4. Treatment with proteinase K abolished the increase in DNA retention induced by trivalent chromium.

5. It is concluded that trivalent chromium is the ultimate genetoxic agent after chromate uptake by living cells.

     

The toxic and environmental evaluation of pyrolytic liquids by Allium cepa test

In this study, liquid products obtained from the pyrolysis of hazelnut shell (HS), with and without ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), were subjected to the Allium cepa test system. Pyrolysis in conjunction with the A. cepa test is a promising technology not only from the perspective of energy savings and a source of precious material, but in terms of the removal of hazardous material from the environment in safe manner. Dosages of pyrolytic liquids dissolved in water were determined according to lethal dose (LD₅₀), with three different solution concentrations. The preparates were dyed with acetocarmine. The mitotic index decreased and chromosomal aberration, especially stickiness and c-mitosis, increased with dosage and time. The addition of UHMWPE to HS in the pyrolysis process resulted in less harmful chemical agents, as observed by the relatively higher mitotic index and lower levels of chromosomal aberration.     

Ecotoxicological assessment of metalworking fluids using the Allium cepa test procedure

Metalworking fluids (MWFs), which have a long history of use in industry and are in constant and ever-increasing use in parallel with advancements in mechanisation, are emulsions prepared with water. MWFs prepared as a 1/20 (MWF: water) mixture in practice, contain a large amount of water within their structure, and may become an aquatic toxic mixture in an ecosystem. In this study, half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) values for MWFs were determined using the Allium cepa test, an accepted ecotoxicological biomonitor, and test solutions were prepared (1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000). Depending on the MWF ratio at each concentration, a decrease in the mitotic index (MI), irregularities in the phase distribution and aberrations in the chromosomes were observed. When the amount of MWF in the water increased, chromosomal abnormalities such as stickiness were observed to occur; whereas abnormalities such as c-mitosis, fragments, bridges, vagrants and micronucleus increased as the amount of the MWF decreased. Over a second 24-h period, it was observed that values, in particular MI, showed a tendency to return to normal.     

Genotoxic Effect of Phenol on the Cells of Onion (Allium cepa) Roots

The roots of onion (Allium cepa) stand out for having cells with large size and small number of chromosomes.These characteristics make them useful in bioassays for the measurement of a variety of cytogenetic and morphological parameters , in which they can be used as toxicity indicators of the induction and formation of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations.Based on this background , the potential genotoxic effect of phenol concentration on cells of A.ceparoots was investigated either in terms of induced aberrations or micronuclei formation.The results demonstrated that the higher the concentration of phenol , the higher the incidence of abnormalities , thus confirming the genotoxicity of this pollutant.     

Bioaccumulation and toxic effects of copper in common onion Allium cepa L.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential utility of Allium cepa L. as a bioindicator organism for measuring copper bioaccumulation and toxicity in laboratory conditions. Onions were exposed to increasing concentrations of the metal (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 μg mL^?1) for 7 days. Root and leaf development were chosen as biological endpoints, while bioaccumulation was evaluated in roots, bulbs and leaves. Copper caused inhibition of root elongation with increasing effects at the higher doses, growth being reduced by almost 60% at 0.1 μg mL^?1 and up to 95% at 10 μg mL^?1. The elongation of leaves was significantly lower only in specimens exposed at 0.5 μg mL^?1, but a total absence of newly formed tissues was observed at 10 μg mL^?1. A marked bioaccumulation of copper was measured in roots, with values increasing up to almost four orders of magnitude compared to controls; only slight or even no significant differences were observed for copper levels in leaves and bulbs of treated A. cepa. Multiple linear correlations revealed a significant inverse relationship between copper concentrations and tissue length in both the roots and leaves, evidencing a sensitive responsiveness of this biological model. The overall results suggest the suitability of A. cepa as a robust species for easy and simple ecotoxicological bioassays to test the toxic effects and bioavailability of environmental pollutants, especially trace metals.     

Sulphur management in onion (Allium cepa) cultivation in hills of Himachal Pradesh

Field experiment were conducted at CSK HPKV Research Farm, Palampur during Rabi seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-02, to study the response of onion (Allium cepa var Patna red) at four sulphur levels (0, 15, 30 and 60 kg ha(-1)) applied through Gypsum and S95. The analysis was done to allocate the limited availability of sulphur for maximizing net profit over fertilizer cost. The results show that the dose of sulphur under its full availability is 43.02 kg ha(-1). But under its scarce availability the maximum benefit would occur when it is applied up to 32.11 kg ha(-1) followed by even distribution of fertilizer i.e. 20 kg ha(-1). The returns following sulphur application at these rates, would be Rs 69340, 73092 and 68700 ha(-1) respectively.     

In vivo studies on the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract in modifying the genotoxicity induced by chromium and mercury in Allium root meristems

In vivo cytogenetic assay in Allium cepa root tip cells has been carried out to detect the modifying effect of Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract against chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) induced genotoxicity. It was observed that the roots post-treated with the leaf extract showed highly significant (p < 0.001) recovery in mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) when compared to pre-treated (Cr/Hg) samples and the lower doses of the leaf extract were found to be more effective than higher doses. The present study reveals that the Ocimum sanctum leaf extract possesses the protective effect against Cr/Hg induced genetic damage.     

微塑料与污染物相互作用的研究进展

微塑料广泛存在于环境中,其比表面积大、吸附性强,可吸附环境中的重金属、有机物、微生物等污染物,并改变它们在环境中的归趋;同时,这些污染物也会影响微塑料的性质及其在环境中的吸附、迁移、降解等行为,进而对生态环境产生潜在风险.开展微塑料与污染物的相互作用研究是进行微塑料环境风险评价的基础.当前相关研究多集中于微塑料的分布及...     

影响石油污染物挥发行为的因素

进行了4种不同石油制品在不同温度时的挥发试验,并对其挥发量与挥发时间的关系进行了模拟,试验结果表明,柴油和煤油的挥发量与挥发时间呈二次多项式关系,而90#汽油的挥发量与挥发时间呈对数关系,混合芳烃的挥发量与挥发时间呈线性关系。柴油经过不同程度的挥发后,其物理性质如粘度和比重发生了改变,其中柴油粘度随着挥发而增加,并且柴油的粘度与挥发质量分数有很好的正相关性,相关系数为0.988。     

生物炭吸附有机污染物的研究进展

生物炭(biochar)是指生物质在缺氧条件下热裂解产生的一种产物.由于其精致的孔隙结构和独特的表面化学性质,对环境介质中的有机污染物有超强的吸附能力,进而影响污染物的迁移与归宿.近年来生物炭对有机污染物的吸附特性及机理研究已成为环境科学领域的研究热点之一.本文从生物炭的典型性状、吸附有机污染物的机理、影响因素以及对土壤中有机污染物生物可给性的影响等方面进行了综述,并提出生物炭吸附有机污染物未来的研究方向.     

Applications and genotoxicity of nanomaterials in the food industry

The use of nanomaterials in industrial sectors is currently widely accepted because of their unique beneficial properties. However, those unique properties can also induce toxic effects. Toxicity responses are induced by kinetic, dynamic, and catalytic properties, and by functionalization, net particle reactivity, agglomeration, and functional environment. Here, we review nanomaterial applications in food and consumer industries, genotoxic mechanisms, methods to study nanomaterials, and factors of toxicity.     

Effect of calcium supplementation on lead-induced genotoxicity and bioaccumulation in suckling Wistar rats

The study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) supplementation on lead-induced toxicity in suckling male Wistar rats. The sucklings were exposed to lead acetate (5 mg/kg b wt./week) orally for a period of six weeks. The unexposed group of sucklings was the negative control. Out of the lead-exposed groups, two groups were supplemented with Ca at 3% and 6% as CaHPO₄ × 2H₂O in suspension in cow's milk. The artificial feeding regimen was followed for 7 h each day for 6 weeks. Sucklings exposed to lead with Ca supplementation recorded a significantly higher increase in body weight and a significant reduction of lead concentration in all tissues. The lead-induced histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney were also reversed with Ca supplementation. Sodium rhodizonate staining of liver sections showed distinct presence of lead granules in the group exposed to lead while the Ca-supplemented groups were comparable to the control. Lead exposure reduced the expression of rad 51 in the testis and liver which was markedly enhanced with Ca supplementation and was restored to the level in the control. Thus, Ca supplementation during the suckling period was effective in ameliorating the lead-induced toxicity.     

Chemical identification and genotoxicity analysis of petrochemical industrial wastewater

The actual harmful effects of industrial wastewater can not be reflected by the conventional water quality index. Therefore, the change in dissolved organic matter and the genetic toxicity of petrochemical wastewater were observed in the current study by examining the wastewater treatment plant of a large petrochemical enterprise in Northwest China. Using XAD-8, MSC, and DA-7 resins, the wastewater was separated into six fractions, namely, hydrophobic acid (HOA), hydrophobic neutral (HOB), hydrophobic alkaline, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic alkaline, and hydrophilic neutral. Umu-test was used to detect the genetic toxicity of the wastewater samples, and fluorescence spectra were also obtained to examine genetic toxic substances. The results show that wastewater treatment facilities can effectively reduce the concentration of organic matter in petrochemical wastewater (p<0.05). However, the mixing of aniline wastewater can increase the amount of organic carbon (p<0.05) and can overload facilities. This finding shows that the mixed collection and joint treatment of different types of petrochemical wastewater can affect the water quality of the effluent. Particularly, hydrophobic substances can be difficult to remove and account for a relatively large proportion of the effluent. The mixture of aniline wastewater can increase the genetic toxicity of the effluent (p<0.05), and biologic treatment can not effectively decrease the toxicity. Most of the genetic toxicology may exist in the HOA and HOB fractions. Fluorescence spectroscopy also confirms this result, and tryptophan-like substances may play an important role in genetic toxicity.     

Classification of contaminants and treatability evaluation of domestic wastewater

Long-term sampling and analysis were conducted in a domestic wastewater treatment plant for the investigation on the characteristics of the representative contaminants in raw sewage such as SS, COD, BOD₅, TP, and TN. All these constituents were classified into dissolved and suspended groups by using a 0.45-μm membrane filter, and the concentration of each constituent in each group was analyzed. As a result, almost 100% of the SS was found to be suspended matter, as well as about 65% of COD, 60% of BOD₅, 50% of P, and 20% of N. All these could be easily removed by sedimentation or coagulation/sedimentation. A treatability evaluation diagram was proposed for a rational selection of wastewater treatment process in accordance with raw water quality.     

Higher cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of cultivated versus natural agarwood incense smoke

Agarwood is used as incense around the world. Natural agarwood being in short supply, cultivated agarwood is now produced in many countries, especially in China. Burning agarwood emits fine particulate matter, which enter human lungs and, in turn, elicit illnesses such as cancer. There is actually no knowledge on the differences of hazards posed by the particulate matter released from either cultivated or natural agarwood burning. Here, we measured the diameter and weight of particulates emitted by cultivated and natural agarwood, using an electrical low-pressure impactor. We measured the mutagenicity of particulates using the salmonella reversion test, and the cytotoxicity of each sample of particulates was determined using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Results show that more than 99 % of total particles were ultrafine and fine particles. The cultivated agarwoods emitted a higher proportion of ultrafine particles than the natural agarwoods. The smoke produced by the cultivated agarwood was more mutagenic and more cytotoxic than natural agarwood.     

Bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants and quality of organic carbon

U.S. laws require that contaminant bioaccumulation potential be evaluated before dredged material can be recycled. Simple fugacity models, e.g. organic contaminant aqueous partition coefficient (K _oc)-derived theoretical bioaccumulation potential, are commonly used to estimate the partitioning of hydrophobic organic contaminants between sediment organic matter and organism lipid. K _oc-derived models, with or without the addition of a soot carbon term, did not accurately or consistently predict total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorobiphenyls partitioning of eight sediments from ongoing dredging operations onto C₁₈-coated filter paper. These models also failed to predict the partitioning of individual PAHs from these eight sediments. These data underscore the trade-offs between the ease of using simple models and the uncertainty of predicted partitioning values.     

我国新兴污染物环境风险评价与控制研究进展

目前环境化学研究热点逐渐从传统污染物转向新兴污染物,如持久性有机污染物(POPs)、环境内分泌干扰物(EDCs)、药品和个人护理品(PPCPs)等.环境中痕量新兴污染物往往会造成较高的危害和风险,日益引起广泛关注.应对新兴污染物环境问题,首先要了解其环境风险,然后进行风险控制和防范.我国新兴污染物的研究正在逐渐兴起.近年来,研究人员在我国新兴污染物环境风险评价和控制方面积极开展工作,本文综述我国这方面的研究进展,以期为进一步开展其风险防范研究提供参考.     

Effect of supplemented soybean (Glycine max L) diet and extracts on aluminum sulfate-induced genotoxicity

Aim of this study is to evaluate the protective role of Glycine max L. (soybean) against aluminum sulfate-induced genotoxicity. A diet containing 30% soybean and extracts obtained with various organic solvents were administered orally to male white Swiss mice prior to intraperitoneal injection of Al₂(SO₄)₃. Light microscopy was used for the examination of genotoxicity involving somatic cells, germ cells, and sperms. The main secondary metabolites contained in each extract were isolated and identified by chromatographic and spectral analyses. Administration of soy diet and extracts to the examined mice induced significant anti-mutagenic activity against bone marrow aberrations and spermatocyte and sperm abnormalities. At the end of this study, maximum protection was achieved using the methanolic extract (83% and 79%) followed by those obtained with chloroform (71% and 49%) and n-hexane (51% and 39%) for bone marrow aberrations and spermatocyte abnormalities, respectively. The observed activity of soybean extracts might be related to the main constituents isolated and identified. These main constituents were the isoflavone glycosides genistin and daidzin in addition to saponins (methanol extract), lignan matairesinol (chloroform extract), and β-sitosterol, unsaturated fatty acids as well as phospholipids (n-hexane extract). The results illustrated that soy extracts can be considered as alternative anti-mutagenic nutraceuticals and promising source for developing anti-mutagenic drugs.