Risk assessment of a Disinfection By-Product (DBP) on mitotic chromosomes using Allium root-tip bioassay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2025.1002010Keywords:
Allium cepa, Chromosomal aberration, Disinfection by-products (DBP), Mitosis, Swimming pool, Trichloroacetic acid (TCAA)Abstract
The process of disinfection of water, using chemicals like chlorine, bromine or iodine, leads to formation of certain chemicals called Disinfection By-Products (DBPs). These chemicals were once considered potentially harmless but as their levels are increasing in potable water, concerns over their toxic effects are growing worldwide. Chlorinated DBPs are of highest concern in case of swimming pool waters as they provide greatest exposure to skin, eyes and mouth of the swimmers. This study was therefore planned with an aim to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of DBPs on mitotic chromosomes of Allium cepa roots under controlled laboratory conditions. For this study, Trichloroacetic Acid (a common DBP) was dissolved in water in concentration levels that are common in swimming pool waters. This was used as a medium to grow roots in A. cepa bulbs. The cells of the roots grown in exposure of Trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) were then cytologically analysed. Results showed mitotic abnormalities like micronuclei, bridge formation, fragmentation, stickiness etc. with total abnormalities reaching up to 26.81%. Active Mitotic Index showed a dose dependent reduction with a mito-inhibition of 41.68% at highest treatment dose. Such an assessment of cytotoxic potential of TCAA on plant cell mitosis has rarely been attempted which makes the study novel. This bioassay showed that DPBs definitely have the mutagenic potential even under short term exposure and can become a bigger problem with successive bio-magnification. Hence, it proves the effectiveness of Allium mitosis bioassay in testing cytotoxicity of DBPs.
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