Fluoride and endosulfan together potentiate cytogenetic effects in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells.

In this study, the cytotoxic potential of fluoride and endosulfan in combination was investigated in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems. Fluoride (25.1 mg kg-1 body weight [bw] in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg kg-1 bw by oral intubation) were administered orally alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg kg-1 bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg kg-1 bw) to male Swiss albino mice daily for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in micronuclei (MNs) induction and decreased ratio (p < 0.01) of polychromatic to normonochromatic erythrocytes (indicators of cytotoxicity) were observed compared with saline controls when animals were given the combination of fluoride and endosulfan. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in MNs induction and no change in the polychromatic erythrocytes to erythrocyte ratio were also observed when endosulfan was given alone. CAs such as gaps, breaks, fragments, rings, exchanges, and polyploidy were recorded in the bone marrow cells. The mean percent frequency of CAs was increased (p < 0.01) in all the treated groups compared with the control saline group. In the combination group (F + E), the percent frequencies of CAs were significantly higher (13.875%) compared with those in the individual treatment groups of fluoride (4.375%) and endosulfan (6.25%). The mitotic index was calculated as percentage of dividing cells. A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in mitotic index was observed in all treated groups compared with controls. In the combination group (F + E), mitotic index was significantly less than (p < 0.01; 4.1 ± 0.49) the saline control (10.8 ± 0.98). These results indicated that repeated intake of endosulfan through various sources in fluoride affected areas resulted in increased cytotoxic effects. The greater effect in the combination group indicated additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing cytotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Combination of fluoride and endosulfan induced teratogenicity and developmental toxicity in Swiss albino mice exposed during organogenesis.

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the teratogenic and developmental toxicity of fluoride and endosulfan alone and in combination in pregnant Swiss albino mice exposed during the organogenetic period (5-14 days) of gestation. Fluoride (25.1 mg/kg body weight in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg/kg bw by oral intubation) when administered alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg/kg bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg/kg bw) to pregnant mice caused significant teratogenic effects in developing fetuses. There was no maternal mortality but significant decreases in maternal weight gain and numbers of live fetuses and significant increases in numbers of fetal resorption were recorded in the treated groups. The fetal body weight and litter size also decreased significantly in all treated groups. No external malformations were observed in any of the fetuses. The percent of visceral and skeletal anomalies increased in the fetuses of all treated groups. The fetal malformations observed were internal hydrocephaly, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema, subcutaneous edema, reduced ossification of skull bones, widened cranial sutures, rib anomalies (short, wavy, partially ossified, or absent ribs), and reduced ossification of phalanges. The occurrence of visceral and skeletal malformations was more severe in the combination group, suggesting additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing developmental toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Teratogenic effects of voriconazole (anti-fungal drug) on Swiss albino mice.

Antifungals are a class of drugs that target the treatment of invasive fungal infections. This includes polyenes, triazoles, and echinocadins. Among these, azoles are being extensively used nowadays. Triazoles have become standard for the azoles and have replaced amphotericin B as the first line of defence for fungal infections. With the increased cases of fungal infection, which affect a majority of the population at different stages and situations, one such section of the population is pregnant females. The rate and susceptibility of fungal infections are particularly higher in pregnant females, as the immunity of the mother is highly compromised. Systemic fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis, and candidemia are being treated with new age triazole antifungals like voriconazole. Prolonged and high concentrations of this drug are associated with various developmental anomalies. With this aim, teratogenic studies were performed on pregnant female mice during gestation and the weaning/lactation period to observe the effects of voriconazole at different dosages (8 mg/kg b.w., 10 mg/kg b.w., and 20 mg/kg b.w.). Pregnant dams were subjected to 20 mg/kg b.w. Voriconazole had a small litter size and a high number of resorptions. Craniofacial defects in the form of reduced ossification and widely open sutures, the presence of the 14th rib, asymmetry in the sternebrae, and the absence of ossified distal phalanges were some of the skeletal anomalies which were significant in the foetus and pups subjected to both 10 mg/kg b.w. and 20 mg/kg b.w. doses of voriconazole.

Vertebrate response to microplastics, nanoplastics and co-exposed contaminants: Assessing accumulation, toxicity, behaviour, physiology, and molecular changes.

Pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has gained significant public attention and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. This review critically investigates MPs/NPs' ability to pass through biological barriers in vertebrate models and accumulate in various organs, including the brain. After accumulation, these particles can alter individuals' behaviour and exhibit toxic effects by inducing oxidative stress or eliciting an inflammatory response. One major concern is the possibility of transgenerational harm, in which toxic consequences are displayed in offspring who are not directly exposed to MPs/NPs. Due to their large and marked surface hydrophobicity, these particles can easily absorb and concentrate various environmental pollutants, which may increase their toxicity to individuals and subsequent generations. This review systematically provides an analysis of recent studies related to the toxic effects of MPs/NPs, highlighting the intricate interplay between co-contaminants in vitro and in vivo. We further delve into mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity and provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to lessen the negative effects of these MPs/NPs. The review also emphasizes the urgency of future studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs/NPs and their size- and type-specific hazardous dynamics, and devising approaches to safeguard the affected organisms.

Combined effect of polystyrene nanoplastic and di-n-butyl phthalate on testicular health of male Swiss albino mice: analysis of sperm-related parameters and potential toxic effects.

Plastics, especially polystyrene nanoplastic particles (PSNPs), are known for their durability and absorption properties, allowing them to interact with environmental pollutants such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Previous research has highlighted the potential of these particles as carriers for various pollutants, emphasizing the need to understand their environmental impact comprehensively. This study focuses on the subchronic exposure of male Swiss albino mice to PSNP and DBP, aiming to investigate their reproductive toxicity between these pollutants in mammalian models. The primary objective of this study is to examine the reproductive toxicity resulting from simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP in male Swiss albino mice. The study aims to analyze sperm parameters, measure antioxidant enzyme activity, and conduct histopathological and morphometric examinations of the testis. By investigating the individual and combined effects of PSNP and DBP, the study seeks to gain insights into their impact on the reproductive profile of male mice, emphasizing potential synergistic interactions between these environmental pollutants. Male Swiss albino mice were subjected to subchronic exposure (60 days) of PSNP (0.2 mg/m, 50 nm size) and DBP (900 mg/kg bw), both individually and in combination. Various parameters, including sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological changes, and morphometric characteristics of the testis, were evaluated. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters were employed for a comprehensive assessment of spermatogenesis and testicular structure. The study revealed non-lethal effects within the tested doses of PSNP and DBP alone and in combination, showing reductions in body weight gain and testis weight compared to the control. Individual exposures and the combination group exhibited adverse effects on sperm parameters, with the combination exposure demonstrating more severe outcomes. Structural abnormalities, including vascular congestion, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and the extensive congestion in tunica albuginea along with both ST and Leydig cell damage, were observed in the testis, underscoring the reproductive toxicity potential of PSNP and DBP. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters confirmed these findings, providing interconnected results aligning with observed structural abnormalities. The study concludes that simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP induces reproductive toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. The combination of these environmental pollutants leads to more severe disruptions in sperm parameters, testicular structure, and antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to individual exposures. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interactive mechanisms between different environmental pollutants and their collective impact on male reproductive health. The use of the Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters provides a comprehensive evaluation of spermatogenesis and testicular structure, contributing valuable insights to the field of environmental toxicology.

Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in brain with emphasis on morphometric and histopathological changes in limbic areas of Swiss albino mice.

The widespread problem of microplastic (MP) contamination is becoming a major threat to the globe. Although most of the research to date has concentrated on the physiological impacts of MPs exposure, a relatively new field of study is beginning to examine its effects on the behaviour and limbic regions of the brain. In this study, exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for acute and sub-chronic durations negatively affected cognition and induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice. PS-MPs were detected in vital organs of mice, including the brain, which induced neurobehavioural and pathological changes in the limbic system. Furthermore, morphometric analysis revealed a significant decrease in the total cell count in the Dentate Gyrus (DG) and Cornu Ammonis (CA) regions of the hippocampus. Signs of neuronal injury and dystrophic changes were observed in the cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus, potentially affecting anxiety and fear responses. Our study thus provides insight into the effect of PS-MPs on the neurobiology of the brain's limbic system and related behavioural alterations.

Monitoring hospital effluents through physico-chemical characterization and genotoxic testing.

Inefficient monitoring of the water resource recovery facility at various health care establishments may lead to detrimental effects on human population, especially when such water get mixed with potable municipal water supply. To ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of the water resource recovery facility and quality of water, before it being disposed of, the present study was conducted with the assessment of physico-chemical parameters of water and its genotoxic and cytogenetic effects in mice. The sample water was given ad libitum to animals for three different time durations, that is, 7, 15, and 30 days. Bone marrow chromosomal aberration and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assay were performed to get the extent of genotoxicity and cytogenicity. The results showed presence of chromosomal aberrations like fragments breaks and ring formation in different groups. Besides this, a significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) decrease in the mitotic index was noted in the group which was given 100% concentrated sample water for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) increase in MN induction and decreased ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes were observed in groups which were given samples at 10% and 100% concentrations for longer durations. The findings suggest that even the recovered sample water reflects a positive in vivo genotoxic potential when given for a longer duration of 30 days, indicating some lacuna in the treatment process.

Incidence of Morphological Defects in Sperm of Mice Exposed to Hospital Effluent.

Hospital effluents are loaded with drugs, radioactive elements, pathogens, etc. Effluents from treatment plants at source sites may get mixed up with potable water, leading to numerous detrimental/toxic effects. In this study, efforts were made to investigate the toxic effects of one such effluent from a local hospital on the reproductive characteristics of mice when orally administered daily for 60 consecutive days. We primarily focused on the changes in the morphology of the sperm and its geometric morphometrics, i.e., sperm head length and width, area, and perimeter, measured using ImageJ software. The incidence of sperm defects was recorded, and variations in the morphometrics were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using Tukey's post hoc test. A physico-chemical characterization of the water samples was also performed to assess the basic water quality. In summary, the study revealed the critical role of treated water in inducing different abnormalities in sperm, such as the absence of a head, bent necks, abnormal neck attachment, highly coiled tails, and missing tails. Significant differences (p < 0.01 **, p < 0.001 ***) in the morphometrics of spermatozoa with banana heads, hammer heads, missing heads, pin heads, and missing hooks were noted compared to corresponding controls. It could thus be concluded that treated hospital effluent is still inadequately clean and contains significant amounts of toxicants that might be detrimental to sperm quality.

Nano polystyrene induced changes in anxiety and learning behaviour are mediated through oxidative stress and gene disturbance in mouse brain regions.

It is widely reported now that nanoplastic particles have potential neurotoxic effects and may disturb central nervous system (CNS) function. However, the mechanism behind these toxic effects still needs to be elucidated. In the current study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on changes in learning, memory, and anxiety-related behavior in mice based on some selected biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes in three important brain regions (Cortex, Hypothalamus, and Hippocampus). Male mice were orally administered daily with two doses of 50 nm PS-NPs (0.2 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml) for 8 weeks. We observed decreased expression of neurotransmitter-related genes (VAChT, GAD, and SYP) in the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus areas of the mouse brain. Other biochemical variables including, antioxidant enzymes, biomarkers for oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity showed significant alterations in all three brain regions. Molecular and neurochemical data thus suggest significant neurobehavioral changes following sub-chronic exposure to PS-NPs which may lead to enhanced anxiety-related and spatial learning and memory-related impairments by affecting limbic areas of the brain.

Effect of Arsenic on Fluoride Tolerance in Microbacterium paraoxydans Strain IR-1.

Fluoride (F) and arsenic (As) are two major contaminants of water and soil systems around the globe, causing potential toxicity to humans, plants, animals, and microbes. These contaminated soil systems can be restored by microorganisms that can tolerate toxic stress and provide rapid mineralization of soil, organic matter, and contaminants, using various tolerance mechanisms. Thus, the present study was undertaken with the arsenic hyper-tolerant bacterium Microbacterium paraoxydans strain IR-1 to determine its tolerance and toxicity to increasing doses of fluoride, either individually or in combination with arsenic, in terms of growth inhibition using a toxicity unit model. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for fluoride increased, from 9 g/L to 11 g/L and from 5.91 ± 0.1 g/L to 6.32 ± 0.028 g/L, respectively, in the combination (F + As) group. The statistical comparison of observed and expected additive toxicities, with respect to toxicity unit (TU difference), using Student's t-test, was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). This suggests the antagonistic effect of arsenic on fluoride toxicity to the strain IR-1. The unique stress tolerance of IR-1 ensures its survival as well as preponderance in fluoride and arsenic co-contaminated sites, thus paving the way for its possible application in the natural or artificial remediation of toxicant-exposed degraded soil systems.

Use of Salmonella/microsome reversion bioassay for monitoring industrial wastewater treatment plants in Rajasthan, India.

Salmonella/microsome reversion assay was used as a biological parameter for monitoring the toxicity of common effluent treatment plant (CETP), Mandia road industrial area, Pali catering to textile industrial areas in Pali, Rajasthan. The influent and effluent water of CETP, surface water (Bandi river) and underground water were tested using Ames bioassay. The results showed presence of mutagens in surface water of Bandi river and the underground water in Pali. Further, comparison of mutagenicity of CETP influent and effluent water revealed that the treatment method employed at this plant has failed to remove mutagenic substances present in Pali textile wastewater. The study also showed that Ames assay is an important tool in genotoxic studies because of its simplicity, sensitivity to genetic damage, speed, low cost of experimentation and small amount of sample required. Further Ames assay, as seen from the results of this study, can be used as a monitoring tool for not only CETPs but also for other water resources. The outcomes of the Ames assay demonstrated its performance as a sensitive, cost-effective and relatively rapid screening tool to assess the genotoxic potential of complex environmental samples.

Assessment of genotoxic potential of the treated hospital wastewater using cytogenetic assays.

The cytogenetic study using hospital effluent was carried out engaging three cytogenetic end points-chromosomal aberration (CA) assay, mitotic indices (MIs), and micronucleus (MN) Analysis. These bioassays were performed in hematopoietic bone marrow cells of Mus musculus. The experiment commenced with the collection of hospital effluent from the final outlet when wastewater gets collected after undergoing treatment by a multistep process. The pure treated sample water was collected at different times between March 2019 to January 2020 and was given ad libitum to mice at its low (90% dilution) and high (pure form), i.e. 100% concentration for 3 different durations i.e. 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively. The results indicated a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the MI in all the groups but was more pronounced in the group which was given 100% concentrated sample water collected in the month of March 2019. Besides this, the major finding was presence of CAs like breaks, fragments, rings, and pulverization in bone marrow cells in different groups; however, the frequency of these aberrations varied from group to group. A significant (P < 0.01) increase in MN Induction and decreased ratio (P < 0.01) of polychromatic to normonochromatic erythrocytes were observed in samples collected in month of March both at 10% and 100% concentrations. However, decrease in the ratio was observed in the samples of September and January at low-concentration sample water. The results thus indicated that there was some lacuna in the treatment process earlier in the month of March, which was rectified to some extent in the subsequent months. Hence, the treated wastewater collected in the month of January next year was more suitable for its use than other samples. Summary: These findings thus draw attention toward ensuring efficiency of the treatment plant and quality of water by the hospital management before it being disposed off into the municipal supply; a step that can help society to live a healthy life. With these findings, it is conveyed that all the hospitals, diagnostic labs, and other health care establishments must pay utmost attention at liquid waste disposal mechanism to make environment pollution-free.

Improved seed germination and plant growth mediated by compounds synthesized by endophytic Aspergillus niger (isolate 29) isolated from Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Plant-microbe interactions are remarkably diverse and dynamic. These interactions can be in the form of endophytic association. Colonization of endophytic microflora in crop plants improves crop health leading to crop enhancement. They stimulate the overall growth of plants by facilitating nutrient uptake and regulating various hormones. This eventually improves the plant biomass and grain yield. Owing to the assistance of the endophytes to the host plants, augmentation of crop plants with potential fungal endophytes or their extracted bioactive compound can upsurge the overall crop production and provide promising solutions for environmentally sustainable agriculture. In this light, the present study deals with the prospects of bioactive metabolites produced by endophytic fungi in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth, a medicinal native plant of Rajasthan. The metabolomic analysis of a partially purified extract of Aspergillus niger (isolate 29) showed the presence of a total of 919 compounds using UHPLC-MS/MS. The metabolic pathway analysis revealed that these compounds were influencing super pathway of gibberellin and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Significant increase in seed germination percentage (73-93%), seed vigour index (834.44-1498.21) and germination index (2.54-3.67 seeds/day) was found in treated seeds compared to untreated. There was a significant improvement in root (45-185%) and shoot length (215-295%) of wheat, barley and millet and a significant increase in root number (38-97%) in wheat and barley. Positive correlation was observed in the growth parameters of all the crops upon treatment. Overall, the results indicated that the partially purified fraction of A. niger (isolate 29) improved seed germination and promoted plant growth in cash crops. The results emphasize towards the importance of secondary metabolites in seed germination and enhancement of plant growth. These results also suggest a probable mutualistic role of endophyte with the host plant. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03332-x.

Aloe vera protects against fluoride-induced teratogenic effects during pre- and postnatal development in mice.

Pregnancy and feto-gestational toxicities on exposure to fluoride and its possible amelioration on co-administration with aloe vera were studied in pregnant Swiss albino mice. Once the confirmed pregnancy was tested, animals were equally divided into four groups as follows: group I was given no treatment and served as control, and groups II and III were administered with 100 and 300 ppm sodium fluoride, respectively, while group IV was co- administered aloe vera (300 mg/kg bw) along with sodium fluoride (300 ppm) daily for 14 days prior to gestation and continued till the 18th day of gestation. Animals were sacrificed on the 19th day of gestation for prenatal observations. Maternal body weight, the gravid uterine weight, number of corpora lutea in both the ovaries, number of implantations and resorptions, number of live (mature and immature) fetuses, and number of dead fetuses were examined in each dam. The treatment continued in another set of animals till the completion of the weaning period to observe postnatal changes due to test substances on the mother and pups. Sodium fluoride-treated animals showed morphometric and skeletal changes which were more pronounced in the high-dose group showing significantly decreased body weight gain in pregnant mothers and dead/immature fetuses. Morphometric changes included open eyelids, limb defects, wrinkles on the whole body, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema, enlarged esophagus, and decreased body weight of fetuses and pups. Alizarin-prepared skeletal structures of fetuses of such female mice showed delayed ossification or bending in the number of bones of skull, thoracic, and limb regions. However, concomitant exposure to sodium fluoride and aloe vera in treated animals led to a marked improvement in all the prenatal and postnatal variables. The study suggests that sodium fluoride at high concentrations may be teratogenic while co-administration of aloe vera during fluoride exposure might be beneficial in reducing these toxic effects. The use of aloe vera as a preventive agent or as a complimentary agent is thus recommended following fluoride exposure through the oral route.

Handmade paper and cardboard industries: in health perspectives.

Generally, handmade paper industries are considered as eco-friendly industries. These industries are known to use vegetable dyes which are thought to be safe and non-toxic. However, cardboard industries are considered as pollution-causing industries. The present study focuses on the genotoxic assessment of handmade paper and cardboard industry's effluent by Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains. On mutagenicity analysis, effluents of both industries were found to be mutagenic with either one strain of Salmonella typhimurium or with both. Besides this, no significant difference was observed in effluent of both small-scale and large-scale handmade paper industries. Moreover, mutagenic compounds reach the nearby water body i.e. Amani Shah Drainage through connecting drain. Discharging of untreated effluent not only deteriorates the water quality but also reaches the food chain when used for irrigating nearby fields. Workers of these industries may suffer various health hazards when they are exposed to mutagenic effluent without having any information about it. Hence, discharging of effluents should thus be restricted or the workers while handling mutagenic substances should at least take proper precautions.

Evaluation of teratogenic potential of cyfluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid in Swiss albino mice.

A toxicity study was planned to assess the teratogenic potential of cyfluthrin that is widely used as a household insecticide to control mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches. Pregnant Swiss albino mice of one group were orally administered two doses of the pesticide (16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg body weight) daily during the organogenetic phase (days 5-14) of gestation. The second group received the same two doses daily during the maturation phase (days 14-18) of gestation. The animals receiving the higher dose exhibited burrowing behaviour, which is a characteristic symptom of pyrethroid poisoning. The autopsies were performed on the 18th day of gestation and routine teratological observations were made. No external malformations occurred in any of the fetus. The higher dose significantly reduced the number of live fetuses, litter size and increased the resorption of embryos when administered during organogenesis, while exposure to the pesticide during the maturation phase did not significantly affect the reproductive parameters. During both the phases, the higher dose reduced the maternal weight gain and the average weight of the fetuses. The fetal anomalies observed were reduced ossification of skull bones, widened cranial sutures, short or absent ribs, hydrocephaly of the ventricles, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema and subcutaneous edema.

Bioremediation of industrial waste through mushroom cultivation.

Handmade paper and cardboard industries are involved in processing of cellulosic and ligno-cellulosic substances for making paper by hand or simple machinery. In the present study solid sludge and effluent of both cardboard and handmade paper industries was collected for developing a mushroom cultivation technique to achieve zero waste discharges. Findings of present research work reveals that when 50% paper industries waste is used by mixing with 50% (w/w) wheat straw, significant increase (96.38%) in biological efficiency over control of wheat straw was observed. Further, cultivated basidiocarps showed normal morphology of stipe and pileus. Cross section of lamellae did not show any abnormality in the attachment of basidiospores, hymenal trama and basidium. No toxicity was found when fruiting bodies were tested chemically.

Blood levels of organochlorine pesticide residues and risk of reproductive tract cancer among women from Jaipur, India.

Residues of organochlorine pesticides are integral part of our environment. Because of their strong lipophilic and non-biodegradable nature, organisms at higher trophic levels in the food chain tend to accumulate them. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of organochlorine pesticides upon the occurrence of reproductive tract cancers in women from Jaipur, India. Blood samples were collected from 150 females. In that group, 100 females suffered from reproductive tract cancers like cervical, uterine, vaginal and ovarian cancers, while the rest did not suffer from cancers or any other major disease and were treated as control group. The collected blood samples were subjected to pesticide extraction and analyzed with the help of gas chromatography. The pesticides detected were benzene hexa chlororide and its isomers, dieldrin, heptachlor, dichloro diphenyl trichloro ethane and its metabolites. The data obtained indicate that the organochlorine pesticide residue levels were significantly higher in all the cancer patients as compared with the control group.

Microbial Mutagenicity Assay: Ames Test.

The Microbial mutagenicity Ames test is a bacterial bioassay accomplished in vitro to evaluate the mutagenicity of various environmental carcinogens and toxins. While Ames test is used to identify the revert mutations which are present in strains, it can also be used to detect the mutagenicity of environmental samples such as drugs, dyes, reagents, cosmetics, waste water, pesticides and other substances which are easily solubilized in a liquid suspension. We present the protocol for conducting Ames test in the laboratory.

Mutagenicity evaluation of industrial sludge from common effluent treatment plant.

Sludge from common effluent treatment plant (CETP) receiving effluents from textile industries at Mandia Road, Pali, was analyzed to assess the level of mutagenicity. Mutagenicity assay using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA 98 and TA 100 gave positive results, thus suggesting presence of genotoxic contaminants in the samples investigated. Further, mutagenic activity of chemical sludge was found to be lesser than that of biological sludge. This result is very surprising and unexpected as it is indicating that some mutagenic compounds are either being formed or certain promutagenic compounds are being converted into stable mutagenic metabolites during the biological treatment of the wastewater effluents. There have been no previous reports giving similar or contrary results. Most of the previous studies have reported effects of single combined sludge.