Effect of electronic waste on E. coli genomic integrity: a possible role for metal induced carcinogenesis |
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| Authors: | Solomon E Owumi Oyeronke A Odunola Michael A Gbadegesin Bolaji Ayoola Eberechukwu Onuchukwu |
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| Institution: | 1. Molecular Biology and Cancer Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria;2. Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USAseowumi@stanford.edu |
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| Abstract: | Electronic waste (e-waste) poses a major public health threat for developing countries’ populations. The hazards of e-waste are exacerbated by crude recycling methods. In this study, the presence of metals in e-waste samples obtained from Lagos, Nigeria, was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The effect of e-waste on Escherichia coli (E. coli) PQ-37 genomic integrity was evaluated using the SOS chromotest. The means of metal concentrations in the evaluated samples were 16 (cadmium), 7.3 (nickel), 11 (chromium), 20 (lead), 3100 (iron), 90 (zinc), and 2000 (copper) μg_L?1. Damage to E. coli deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) increased proportionally to the metal concentrations. Significant amounts of DNA damaging agents from inadequately processed e-waste are present in the studied environment, which will have implications for adverse effects on public and ecological health. Existing policies against dumping of toxic materials in susceptible communities should be enforced. |
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| Keywords: | e-waste E coli PQ-37 SOS chromotest DNA damage |
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