Abstract
A study was performed for phyto-genotoxic assay of chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) through Allium cepa. Various concentrations (0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 mg L−1) of Cr and As for 48 and 168 h time points exposed to A. cepa. The phytotoxic effects of metal(loid) were evident through inhibited root length and root protein. Metal(loid) toxicity also lead to genotoxic effects, which included depression of mitotic index and increased frequency of chromosomes aberrations like break, fragments, c-metaphase, multipolar arrangements etc. Genotoxic endpoint as progressive frequency of micronuclei in interphase of root meristem cells in treated plants was also observed. This genotoxic endpoint revealed carcinogenic nature of both aforementioned metal(loid). Along with inhibition in root length and protein content, depression in mitotic index as well as stimulation of various abnormality in mitotic cell division indicated that both metal(loid) are hazardous in nature and causing harmful effect on the environment.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow for the facilities. Kiran Gupta is thankful to University Grant Commission, New Delhi, India, for the award of the Post-doctoral fellowship for women. Amit Kumar is acknowledging the DSKPDF Cell, Pune, India, and University Grant Commission, New Delhi, India, for the award of the D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship.
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Gupta, K., Mishra, K., Srivastava, S. et al. Cytotoxic Assessment of Chromium and Arsenic Using Chromosomal Behavior of Root Meristem in Allium cepa L.. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 100, 803–808 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-018-2344-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-018-2344-2