Geostatistical analysis of biomarkers of genotoxicity in cattle, Bos taurus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus, sentinels near industrial facilities.

ABSTRACT

This study, performed at the behest of ranchers living and working down-prevailing wind from industrial facilities located in Calhoun County, Texas investigated locational risks to ecosystem health associated with proximity to specific industrial complexes. Concerns expressed were for potential genotoxicity in cattle resulting from the release of complex chemical mixtures. The Comet Assay and flow cytometric evaluation of variations in DNA content were utilized to evaluate DNA damage. Bayesian geo-statistical analysis revealed the presence of important spatial processes. The Comet assay's optical density provided a strong indication of increased damage down-prevailing wind from the industrial complexes. Results indicated that proximity to and location down-prevailing winds from industrial facilities increased the locational risk of genotoxicity in this sentinel species.