Mutagenic potential of the Pirapo River (Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil) water in meristematic root cells of Allium cepa L.

Abstract

Many studies have  evaluated the effects of toxic agents that cause river pollution. To analyze these effects mutagenicity tests are used. In this study the meristematics cells of Allium cepa roots were used as a medium for the investigation of possible mutagenic effects of water that was collected in six locations of the Pirapo River, in Apucarana,Paraná, Brazil. Collections were made during two time periods; one in December 2006 (late spring) and another in April 2007 (beginning fall). This research studied the modification on the mitotic index and the appearance of chromosomal aberrations. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square (α=0,05). Statistical analysis revealed that only the water collected in April 2007 showed a statistically significant reduction of the quantity of cell division in onion root cells. Chromosome modifications were not identified in any of the collection samples.