Effects of Indigo Carmine on Growth, Cell Division, and Morphology of Allium cepa L. Root Tip.

Indigo carmine has a variety of uses in foods, textiles, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. There are studies reporting the toxic potential of indigo carmine on human health and the environment. In this study, we investigated the cytogenotoxic effects of indigo carmine using apical root cells of Allium cepa. Allium cepa bulbs were subjected to four treatments with indigo carmine (0.0032, 0.0064, 0.0125, and 0.2 mg/mL) and to ultrapure water as a control. After 5 days, root growth, root length, mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, chromosomal anomalies, and cell morphology were analyzed. According to our results, a decrease in root length and mitotic index was observed at all concentrations of indigo carmine. Additionally, several types of chromosomal abnormalities were observed, such as disturbed metaphase, sticky chain metaphase, anaphase bridge, and laggard chromosomes. Moreover, histological observation indicated that indigo carmine induces alterations in various components of root tip tissue, such as deformation and alteration of the cell wall, progressive condensation of chromatin, shrinkage of the nuclei, and an increase in the number of irregularly shaped nuclei and nuclear fragments. Our results indicate that the tested concentrations of indigo carmine may have toxic effects and raise concerns about its intensive use in many fields.

Amelioration of Cytogenotoxic Damage in Drug Abusers Supplemented with Folic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenotoxic damage caused by the consumption of legal and illegal drugs in drug abusers has been demonstrated, primarily due to alterations in their antioxidant capacity, cellular repair mechanisms, and increased production of free radicals. Folic acid shows antioxidant activity by acting as a reducing agent, neutralizing present free radicals, and reducing genomic damage. METHODS: The intervention involved administering 15 mg of folic acid, divided into three doses per day, to a group of 44 drug abusers. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities (NAs) was determined; micronuclei (MNs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), binucleated cells (BNs), abnormally condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhexis (KX), pyknotic nuclei (PNs), and karyolysis (KL) were determined at different pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment time points at 15 and 30 days. Additionally, a group of 44 healthy individuals was used as the control group. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of NAs in the drug abuser group (28.45 ± 17.74 before supplementation vs. 11.18 ± 7.42 at 15 days and 9.11 ± 10.9 at 30 days of supplementation). Specifically, it decreased the frequency of NBUDs, BNs, CC, KX, and PNs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a clear improvement in cytogenotoxic damage in drug abusers supplemented with folic acid.

Cytogenotoxicity effects in addicts with multidrug consumption.

Drug abuse is considered a global health problem with serious social impact. In recent decades, changes in drug consumption patterns have shown a clear rising trend in the use of multiple drugs. Although the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay has evaluated cytotoxicity in drug abuse, there has not been an approach that takes into account this pattern of multiple drug use. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate for the first time the cytogenotoxic effects in multidrug users, and its correlation with the amount consumed and years of abuse. This study was conducted on 166 individuals by the BMCyt assay. A total of 83 individuals with a history of multiple licit (alcohol and tobacco) and at least one illicit drug abuse (marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, and/or inhalants), and 83 healthy individuals, non-drug abusers were analyzed. The results showed that drug abusers had higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities nuclear buds, binucleated cells, pyknotic nuclei (PNs), karyorrhexis (KX), and abnormally condensed chromatin when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, results suggests that the use of licit and illicit drugs is related to cytogenotoxic damage, as was shown by an upward trend in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities identified in groups 1 (alcohol + tobacco + at least one illicit drug) and 2 (tobacco + at least one illicit drug). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found in the different groups, between the years and the amount of consumption of some drugs (alcohol, methamphetamine, and tobacco) with cytotoxicity markers such as KL, KX, and PNs.

Synthesis and Phytocytogenotoxic Activity of N-Phenyl-2-phenoxyacetamides Derived from Thymol.

The excessive use of herbicides has caused a series of problems related to human health, environmental pollution, and an increase in the resistance of plants to commercial herbicides. As an alternative, natural compounds and their semisynthetic derivatives have been widely studied to obtain environmentally friendly and more effective herbicides than the usual ones. In view of these factors, the aim of this work was to synthesize new molecules with herbicidal potential using thymol as a starting material, a natural phenol that has a pronounced phytotoxic effect. Novel N-phenyl-2-thymoxyacetamides were synthesized and characterized by MS and by 1H and 13C NMR. All prepared molecules were subjected to phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity assays using Lactuca sativa L. and Sorghum bicolor L. as model plants. Molecules containing chlorine in the para position of the thymoxy group exhibited phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects superior to those of the commercial herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate.

Cellular toxicity and DNA damage induced by Newbouldia laevis used for male infertility treatment in prokaryotic and eukaryotic models.

Leaves of Newbouldia laevis have been extensively used in solving problems associated with infertility and childbirth in many African countries. Yet, information is very limited on the DNA damaging potential of this plant. This study evaluated the cytogenotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of N. laevis leaf using prokaryotic models (Ames Salmonella fluctuation test using TA100 and TA98 strains of Salmonella typhimurium and SOS Chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37) and eukaryotic model (Allium cepa root cells). Identification of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phytochemical screening of the plant extract were also performed. Onion bulbs were grown on each concentration (1 to 50%; v/v, extract/tap water) of the extract for chromosomal aberrations and root growth analyses. Results of the Ames test indicated that the extract is mutagenic while the SOS Chromotest results showed good complementation to the Ames test results, although the E. coli PQ37 system showed slightly higher sensitivity in the detection of mutagenicity and genotoxicity of the extract. The plant extract was cytotoxic when compared to the control, inducing a significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent inhibition of root growth from 5 to 50% concentrations. At 50% concentration, the extract completely inhibited cell division in the A. cepa. Also, chromosomal aberration increased significantly (p < 0.05) in exposed onions from 5 to 20% concentrations. The mutagenicity and cytogenotoxicity recorded in this report were believed to be caused by the presence of VOCs such as 1,2,3-benzene-triol, 1,2-benzenediol, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and alkaloids in the extract an indication of the cytogenotoxicity of the aqueous extract of N. laevis leaf even at low concentration.

Toxicogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical effects of the herbicide Clethodim on Allium cepa L.

Pesticides are compounds with several chemical or biological agents developed to potentiate the biocide action. Their use is associated with increased economic and agricultural productivity worldwide but can harm health and the environment, damaging existing biota. Clethodim is a systemic post-emergent herbicide for grasses, highly selective for cotton, coffee, onions, carrots, soybeans, etc. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of the herbicide Clethodim with the model plant Allium cepa. A series of tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the herbicide under study. Germination tests, root growth, cell, and nucleolar cycle analysis, as well as oxidative stress assessment and histological analysis of the roots, were performed. The results indicated that the herbicide demonstrated phytotoxicity, inhibiting germination at C1 (1.92 g/L) and C3 (0.84 g/L), and root growth at all concentrations, presenting mutagenicity at C1 (1.92 g/L) and C4 (0.24 g/L), evidenced by the increased frequency of micronuclei. In addition, changes were observed in the enzymatic activity of the enzymes catalase at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L) and C2 (0.96 g/L) and ascorbate peroxidase at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L), C2 (0. 96 g/L), and C3 (0.48 g/L) and in cell elongation at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L) and C3 (0.48 g/L), demonstrated in histological analyses of the root apex.

Toxicity of Heavy Metals that Affect Germination, Development and Cell Cycle of Allium cepa L.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of heavy metals copper, cadmium, lead, aluminum and nickel, on the growth, physiology, metabolism, and cell cycle of Allium cepa L. Five treatments with increasing concentrations (0, 50, 100, 250, and 500 µM) were applied to the seeds. The results showed that the highest concentrations of copper and cadmium had phytotoxic and biochemical effects on the onion. Additionally, copper concentrations caused an increase in mitodepressive effect and chromosomal abnormalities. Aluminum also induced several chromosomal abnormalities. The study found that Cd > Cu > Pb > Ni > Al and Cu > Al > Ni > Pb > Cd had the highest phytotoxic and cytotoxic potentials, respectively. Furthermore, the UPGMA method revealed three divergent groups. These results suggest that heavy metals, especially copper, have a significant pollution potential when present in high concentrations.

Use of the Allium cepa Model to Assess the Cytogenotoxicity of Luffariella herdmani Marine Sponge Extract.

Marine sponge extracts are known to contain potentially toxic compounds that have biological activities of possible pharmacological interest. Thus, it is vital that biological models are used for the preliminary toxicity screening of such extracts. The present study reports the use of Allium cepa, a low-cost plant-based in vivo model, to assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Luffariella herdmani marine sponge crude extract (SCE). Pre-germinated onion bulbs, exposed for 96 hours to different concentrations of SCE (ranging from 0.3125 to 20 µg/ml), were used to determine general cytotoxicity. Root length as well as morphological abnormalities were recorded. Genotoxicity was assessed by exposing the root tips to SCE (0.3125-20 µg/ml) and the appropriate controls for 48 hours, and then staining with acetocarmine. The Mitotic Index (MI), Mitotic Phase Indices (MPIs) and chromosomal aberrations were evaluated and recorded. SCE inhibited A. cepa root growth (EC50 = 10.34 µg/ml) and elicited a mitodepressive effect (LC50 = 1.95 µg/ml) in a dose-dependent and significant manner. In addition, macroscopic alterations as well as chromosomal aberrations were detected. Overall, our findings indicate that L. herdmani crude extract exhibits cytotoxic and genotoxic activity, suggesting that it might contain substances with anti-proliferative/anticancer potential that could be subject to further characterisation.

Beneficial properties of Drimia numidica leaf methanolic extract against the cytogenotoxic effects of mitomycin C on human lymphocytes.

This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Drimia numidica leaf methanolic extract, as well as its cyto-genotoxic and cyto/genoprotective potential against mitomycin C (MMC) mediated effects on healthy human lymphocytes. Photosynthetic pigments, trace elements, and secondary metabolites were estimated and/or identified in methanolic extract of mature leaves, and the latter was further used for assessing its in vitro biological effects on MMC-free and/or MMC-treated human lymphocytes (at low, non-toxic concentrations of 0.001 and 0.01% v/v). The results showed that D. numidica leaf methanolic extract, being rich in carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, organic acids and bufadienolides, could be protective against MMC mediated cyto/genotoxic potential in healthy human lymphocytes. Biomolecules possessing antioxidant and antitumor potential, such as beta-carotene and lutein among others, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and their derivatives, minerals such as Si, as well as apigenin- and luteolin-derived glycosides, either individual or in a mixture, could be beneficial rather than harmful, at least at the extract concentrations tested. Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are still needed for elucidating the beneficial (individual and/or additive/synergistic) role of those compounds, the results of the present study are quite promising, thus encouraging new challenges for the appropriate utilization of D. numidica leaf extract.

Efficient bioremediation of laboratory wastewater co-contaminated with PAHs and dimethylformamide by a methylotrophic enrichment culture.

A methylotrophic enrichment culture, MM34X, has been assessed for its exceptional ability in biodegradation of dimethylformamide (DMF) and bioremediation of laboratory wastewater (LWW) co-contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The culture MM34X tolerated high concentrations of DMF and efficiently degraded 98% of 20,000 mg L-1 DMF within 120 h. LWW bioremediation was performed in stirred bottle laboratory-scale bioreactor. After 35 days of incubation, 2760.8 ± 21.1 mg L-1 DMF, 131.8 ± 9.7 mg L-1 phenanthrene, 177.3 ± 7.5 mg L-1 pyrene and 39.5 ± 2.7 mg L-1 BaP in LWW were removed. Analysis of post-bioremediation residues indicated the absence of any known toxic intermediates. The efficacy of bioremediation was further evaluated through cyto-genotoxicity assays using Allium cepa. The roots of A. cepa exposed to bioremediated LWW showed improved mitotic index, whereas original LWW completely arrested cell growth. Similarly, the alkaline comet assay indicated alleviation of genotoxicity in bioremediated LWW, as evidenced by significantly lower DNA damage in terms of tail DNA and Olive tail moment. In addition, oxidative stress assays, performed using fluorescent probes 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, C11-BODIPY and dihydrorhodamine 123, revealed significant mitigation of oxidative stress potential in bioremediated LWW. Our findings suggest that the enrichment MM34X may prime the development of inexpensive and efficient large-scale bioremediation of LWW co-contaminated with PAHs and DMF.

Ecogenotoxicity of environmentally relevant atrazine concentrations: A threat to aquatic bioindicators.

Atrazine (ATZ) is a herbicide that is frequently present in surface waters and may result in damage to the health of various organisms, including humans. However, most scientific literature reports injuries caused by ATZ at high concentrations, which are not found in the environment. Therefore, the scope of this study was to investigate the impacts of realistic concentrations of ATZ found in surface waters (1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 µg/L) using the bioindicators Allium cepa, Daphnia magna and zebrafish (Danio rerio). ATZ elicited a genotoxic effect in A. cepa, manifested by the induction of chromosomal aberrations, and a mutagenic effect with increased incidence of micronuclei formation, promotion of cell death and reduction in nuclear size revealed by flow cytometry analysis. D. magna exposed to 10, 15 and 20 µg/L of ATZ showed significant reduction in body size after 21 days, delayed first-brood release, decreased egg production and total offspring, as well as swimming behavioral changes. ATZ exposure promoted physiological and developmental alterations in zebrafish embryos, including an increased spontaneous movement rate, which led to premature hatching at all concentrations investigated. Increase in total body length, decrease of the yolk sac area, pericardial edema and higher heart rate were also detected in ATZ-treated zebrafish. In summary, environmentally relevant concentrations of ATZ can induce substantial alterations in the three bioindicators investigated. This study evidences the deleterious effects of ATZ on three aquatic bioindicators employing established and current techniques, and may contribute to elucidate the risks caused by this widely used herbicide even at low concentrations and short-to-medium-term exposure.

Characterisation and toxicological activity of three different Pseudo-nitzschia species from the northern Adriatic Sea (Croatia).

Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia are cosmopolitans spread in seas and oceans worldwide, with more than 50 described species, dozens of which have been confirmed to produce domoic acid (DA). Here, we characterized and investigated the toxicological activity of secondary metabolites excreted into the growth media of different Pseudo-nitzschia species sampled at various locations in the northern Adriatic Sea (Croatia) using human blood cells under in vitro conditions. The results revealed that three investigated species of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia were capable of producing DA indicating their toxic potential. Moreover, toxicological data suggested all three Pseudo-nitzschia species can excrete toxic secondary metabolites into the surrounding media in addition to the intracellular pools of DA, raising concerns regarding their toxicity and environmental impact. In addition, all three Pseudo-nitzchia species triggered oxidative stress, one of the mechanisms of action likely responsible for the DNA damage observed in human blood cells. In line with the above stated, our results are of great interest to environmental toxicologists, the public and policy makers, especially in light of today's climate change, which favours harmful algal blooms and the growth of DA producers with a presumed negative impact on the public health of coastal residents.

Biodegradation of an intrusive weed Parthenium hysterophorus through in-vessel composting technique: toxicity assessment and spectroscopic study.

Parthenium hysterophorus is a toxic terrestrial weed with its erratic behavior brought on by the presence of toxic compounds. A numerous works have been conducted on the complete eradication of this weed, but due to the residuals exists in soil, the weed re-grows. Current study therefore aims at examining the transformation of this weed by an in-vessel composting approach (rotary drum composter) and the evaluation of toxicity characteristics using Vigna radiata and Allium cepa as bioindicators. The nutritional content such as total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium were increased by 38.8, 39.1, and 49.5%, respectively, and the reactor was effective in reducing the biochemical content such as lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose by 43.5, 50.7, and 57.3%, respectively, in the final compost. The thermophilic degradation phase in the reactor existed up to the 8th day of the composting process, which exhibits the highest degradation phase. Meanwhile, the degradation of phenolic, aliphatic, and lignocellulose was investigated and validated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Although P. hysterophorus exhibited phytotoxic and cyto-genotoxic effects in plant models at the beginning of the composting process, the toxicity potential appeared to be reduced after 20 days of composting. Therefore, the study's findings proved that the in-vessel composting of P. hysterophorus can produce a nontoxic, nutrient-rich compost product that could be used as a soil conditioner in agricultural farmlands. The insights of the study are not limited to the nutritional, stability, and quality characteristics but also the toxicity characteristics during the composting process.

Investigation of the Genotoxic, Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Profile of Different Extracts from Equisetum arvense L.

The present study investigated the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of four different extracts of Equisetum arvense L. (common name: field horsetail) on human lymphocytes. Specifically, Soxhlet's prepared extracts from E. arvense L., using different solvents (S1: methanol (MeOH)-, S2: ethanol (EtOH)-, S3: water-, and S4: ethanol/water (EtOH-W)-) were analyzed for (a) their total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC, respectively), (b) their antioxidant activity (AA), via the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays, and (c) their cyto-genotoxic and/or protective efficiency against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C, via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus assay. All extracts showed increased TPC, TFC, and AA values in almost all cases. S1, S3 and S4 demonstrated no cytotoxic potential, whereas S2 was cytotoxic only at the highest concentrations. Genotoxicity was not observed in the tested extracts. The highest antigenotoxic activity was observed for EtOH-W (S4) extract, which was found to be rich in flavonoids, flavonoid-O-glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic and fatty acids as well as in minerals and mainly in K, Ca, Mg, Si and P, as assessed by using various mass spectrometry techniques. Those findings confirm that E. arvense L. extracts could be valuable candidates for medicinal applications and pharmaceutical products, thus alleviating the effects of more conventional drugs.

Marine toxin domoic acid induces moderate toxicological response in non-target HepG2 cells.

Domoic acid (DA) is a marine neurotoxin produced as a defence compound by diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. Although its toxicity is well known in marine mammals and fish, data on DA cyto/genotoxicity in human non-target cells is still limited. Hence, we aimed to study the effect of DA (0.001-10 µg/mL) on cell viability and proliferation kinetics of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells as well as DNA damage induction after 4, 24 and 72 h of exposure. The results revealed that DA up to 10 µg/mL did not elicit significant changes in HepG2 cell viability, proliferation and cell cycle at applied conditions. DA did not generate DNA double-strand breaks, while it exhibited significant dose- and time-dependent increase of DNA damage in the form of either DNA single-strand breaks or alkali labile sites. Additionally, increased malondialdehyde level after DA treatment indicated oxidative damage to lipids. Altogether, the results showed that neurotoxin DA induced only minor adverse genotoxic effects in non-target HepG2 cells that most probably occurred resulting from the oxidative stress. However, additional research is needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of DA toxicity, particularly in terms of chronic exposure, as well as to understand its potential influence on human non-target cells.

Cytogenotoxicity of the aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf using Allium cepa assay.

Parquetina nigrescens has been used for decades in ethnomedicine for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and aphrodisiac properties. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of aqueous crude leaf extracts of P. nigrescens on the root meristematic cells of Allium cepa was examined. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the plant extract were also identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extract was prepared with tap water as is locally practised by many Nigerians. Onion bulbs were exposed to 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50% concentrations of the extract for the analysis of root growth inhibition and chromosomal aberration. Lead nitrate (10 ppm) and tap water were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. The result showed cytotoxicity which was observed as statistically significant (p

Comparative investigation of toxicity induced by UV-A and UV-C radiation using Allium test.

Organisms are increasingly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays of sunlight, due to the thinning of the ozone layer and its widespread use in sterilization processes, especially against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the damages of UV-A and UV-C radiations in Allium cepa L. roots. The effects of two different types of UV on some physiological, biochemical, cytogenotoxic, and anatomical parameters were investigated in a multifaceted study. Three groups were formed from Allium bulbs, one of which was the control group. One of the other groups was exposed to 254 nm (UV-C) and the other to 365 nm (UV-A) UV. Growth retardation effect of UV was investigated with respect to germination percentage, total weight gain, and root elongation, while cytogenotoxicity arisen from UV exposure was analyzed using mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) frequency. Oxidative stress due to UV application was investigated based on the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. Also, anatomical changes induced by UV-A and UV-C were analyzed in root meristematic cells. UV treatments caused significant reductions in growth-related parameters. Both UV treatments caused a significant increase in MDA levels and induction of SOD and CAT enzymes in root meristematic cells. A decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN and CAs were observed in root tip cells, indicating the cytogenotoxic effect of UV application. Anatomical damages such as epidermis cell damage, cortex cell damage, necrotic zones, giant cell nucleus, and indistinct transmission tissue occurred in cells exposed to UV. All of the physiological, biochemical, cytogenetic, and anatomical damages observed in this study were more severe in cells treated with UV-C compared to UV-A. This study suggested that UV exposure triggered growth inhibition, cytogenotoxicity, oxidative stress, and meristematic cell damages in A. cepa roots depending on the wavelength.

Metal Bioaccumulation, Cytogenetic and Clinico-Biochemical Alterations in Rattus norvegicus Exposed In Situ to a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Lagos, Nigeria.

This study aimed at determining in animal model the health effects of in situ exposure to landfill chemicals. We evaluated metal concentrations in tissues and cytogenetic and clinico-biochemical effects in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed in situ at Olusosun landfill in Lagos, Nigeria. Male rats (n = 30/point) were exposed at three different points to ambient air and underground water (via drinking) at the landfill for 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-week periods. Rats concurrently sited at a residential area, 17.3 km from the landfill site served as control. There was significantly (p < 0.05) time-dependent: accumulation of lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and zinc in the liver and kidney and increase in body weight gain, in exposed rats compared to control. There was significant induction of micronuclei and cytotoxicity (reduced PCE/NCE ratios) in exposed rats. Haematological parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb and WBC) and serum biomarkers of hepato-renal damage [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities; creatinine and urea levels] revealed significant increases. There was significant increase in hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase activities, and decrease in superoxide dismutase, at all periods. Chromium and copper concentrations in the liver and kidney revealed significant positive correlations with either one or more of AST, ALT, LDH and urea. Significant metal concentrations in the underground water and tissues suggest that heavy metals are responsible for the observed alterations, and this may have been via oxidative stress. These findings suggest potential health risk due to occupational and residential exposure to landfill pollutants.

Water quality assessment of the Demetrio stream: an affluent of the Gravataí River in the South of Brazil / Qualidade da água do arroio Demetrio: um afluente do rio Gravataí no sul do Brasil

The Gravataí River basin, one of the main water sources of the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, is among the ten most polluted rivers in Brazil. Water quality is monitored only through physico-chemical and microbiological parameters in Brazil, and in this context, considering the importance of the use of biomarkers in complementing the analysis of water, the present study aimed to evaluate the environmental quality of the main affluent of the Gravataí River, Demetrio stream, through physico-chemical, microbiological, and cytogenotoxic criteria, at the stream source (P1), whereas samples P2 and P3 were obtained from the upstream near the area with the highest urban density and the downstream near the meeting point with the Gravataí River, respectively. The results for copper concentration and color classified the Demetrio stream as Class 4 in general, that is, the water is suitable only for navigation and to landscape harmony. The main genotoxic alterations (micronuclei and nuclear buds) were observed in P2, in which were obtained the highest levels of copper, in addition to iron and manganese. Anthropic interventions were observed in P1 and P2; however, due to its low metal concentration, P3, near the Gravataí River, manifested an improvement in environmental quality.

A bacia do rio Gravataí, uma das principais fontes de água da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, está entre os dez rios mais poluídos do Brasil. No Brasil a qualidade da água é monitorada apenas através de parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos e, nesse contexto, considerando a importância do uso de biomarcadores para complementar a análise da água, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade ambiental do principal afluente do Rio Gravataí, o arroio Demétrio, através de critérios físico-químicos, microbiológicos e citogenotóxicos, na nascente do arroio (P1), a montante e próximo à área com maior densidade urbana (P2) e a jusante e próximo ao ponto de encontro com o rio Gravataí (P3). Os resultados para a cor da água e para a concentração de cobre classificaram o arroio Demétrio como Classe 4 em geral, ou seja, esta água é adequada apenas para navegação e harmonia da paisagem. As principais alterações genotóxicas (micronúcleos e brotos nucleares) foram observadas no P2, no qual foram obtidos os maiores teores de cobre, além de ferro e manganês. Intervenções antrópicas foram observadas em P1 e P2; no entanto, devido à sua baixa concentração de metais, o P3, próximo ao rio Gravataí, manifestou uma melhoria na qualidade ambiental.

Water quality assessment of the Demetrio stream: an affluent of the Gravataí River in the South of Brazil / Qualidade da água do arroio Demetrio: um afluente do rio Gravataí no sul do Brasil

The Gravataí River basin, one of the main water sources of the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, is among the ten most polluted rivers in Brazil. Water quality is monitored only through physico-chemical and microbiological parameters in Brazil, and in this context, considering the importance of the use of biomarkers in complementing the analysis of water, the present study aimed to evaluate the environmental quality of the main affluent of the Gravataí River, Demetrio stream, through physico-chemical, microbiological, and cytogenotoxic criteria, at the stream source (P1), whereas samples P2 and P3 were obtained from the upstream near the area with the highest urban density and the downstream near the meeting point with the Gravataí River, respectively. The results for copper concentration and color classified the Demetrio stream as Class 4 in general, that is, the water is suitable only for navigation and to landscape harmony. The main genotoxic alterations (micronuclei and nuclear buds) were observed in P2, in which were obtained the highest levels of copper, in addition to iron and manganese. Anthropic interventions were observed in P1 and P2; however, due to its low metal concentration, P3, near the Gravataí River, manifested an improvement in environmental quality.

A bacia do rio Gravataí, uma das principais fontes de água da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, está entre os dez rios mais poluídos do Brasil. No Brasil a qualidade da água é monitorada apenas através de parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos e, nesse contexto, considerando a importância do uso de biomarcadores para complementar a análise da água, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade ambiental do principal afluente do Rio Gravataí, o arroio Demétrio, através de critérios físico-químicos, microbiológicos e citogenotóxicos, na nascente do arroio (P1), a montante e próximo à área com maior densidade urbana (P2) e a jusante e próximo ao ponto de encontro com o rio Gravataí (P3). Os resultados para a cor da água e para a concentração de cobre classificaram o arroio Demétrio como Classe 4 em geral, ou seja, esta água é adequada apenas para navegação e harmonia da paisagem. As principais alterações genotóxicas (micronúcleos e brotos nucleares) foram observadas no P2, no qual foram obtidos os maiores teores de cobre, além de ferro e manganês. Intervenções antrópicas foram observadas em P1 e P2; no entanto, devido à sua baixa concentração de metais, o P3, próximo ao rio Gravataí, manifestou uma melhoria na qualidade ambiental.