Genotoxicity evaluation of the insecticide endosulfan in the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis L

The frequency of micronuclei (MN) and chromosome aberrations in anaphase-telophase (CAAT) was determined in root tips of the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of endosulfan (0.01, 0.02, 0.5 and 5microg/L) for 48h. MN frequency varied from 0 in negative controls and plants exposed to 0.01microg/L endosulfan to 0-3 in plants exposed to 5microg/L. Moreover, a significant concentration-dependent increase of CAAT was observed. The higher proportion of laggards and vagrand chromosomes observed at 5microg/L would indicate that endosulfan interacts with the spindle interrupting normal chromosome migration. Endosulfan resulted genotoxic to B. laevis, a species of potential value for bioassays and in situ monitoring of environmental contamination by pesticides.     

Assessment of DNA damage and cholinesterase activity in soybean farmers in southern Brazil: High versus low pesticide exposure

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA damage in soybean growers during two agricultural periods of a crop season (high and low exposure) and a control group, as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity during these exposure periods in order to estimate the degree of BChE inhibition for the exposed group. DNA damage in peripheral whole blood was evaluated by the comet assay and plasma BChE activity was accessed as a measure of exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors. None of the soybean growers reported using full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). BChE was lower in high exposure period than in low exposure period and DNA damage index was significantly increased in the high exposure period than in the low exposure period. In addition, DNA damage in both exposure periods was higher than control group. No correlation was found between exposure time and DNA damage and BChE activity. However, negative correlation was observed between DNA damage in high and low exposure periods. The results indicate that soybean growers are exposed to cholinesterase inhibitors and to pesticides mixtures with genotoxic potential.     

Sister chromatid exchange and proliferative rate index in the longitudinal risk assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides

At present, there are more than 1,000 chemicals classified as pesticides and many reports have shown that some of them have genotoxic properties. In the present longitudinal study, possible genetic damage on a population of workers occupationally exposed to a mixture of pesticides by using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) analysis has been evaluated. As an additional cytogenetic parameter, the proportion of lymphocytes that undergo one, two or three cell divisions as well as proliferative rate index have been determined. This study was performed on the exposed group of workers employed in pesticide production, simultaneously exposed to a complex mixture of pesticides (atrazine, alachlor, cyanazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and malathion). The blood samples of the exposed subjects were collected in three different periods: before the beginning of the new pesticide production period, after 8 months of everyday work in the pesticide production, and 8 months after the removal of subjects out of the production. In all three samplings, the mean value of SCE and number of cells with high sister chromatid exchange frequency (HFC) in the exposed group was significantly higher in the comparison with the control group. There were no differences in the proliferative rate index (PRI) between the control and exposed group, regardless of the sampling period. In both groups examined, the majority of lymphocytes were found in the second cell division, following cultivation. These results suggest that the increase in the number of SCE found in the exposed subjects is not the result of either cytotoxic or epigenetic action of pesticide mixture, but chronic occupational exposure to mixture of pesticides.     

Exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether and benzene in close proximity to service stations

Exposure estimates based solely on proximity to air pollution sources are not sound and require confirmation. Accordingly, since a very limited amount of actual data for this type of exposure estimate is currently available, this study was conducted to provide actual data on residents' exposure to two important gasoline constituents [methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and benzene] relative to their proximity to roadside service stations. The results confirmed that residents in neighborhoods near service stations are exposed to elevated ambient MTBE and benzene levels compared with those living farther from such a source. However, it was also found that the presumed elevated outdoor benzene levels (a mean of 1.7 ppb) even in close proximity to service stations did not exceed the indoor levels (a mean of 2.2 ppb) of exposure for those living nearby. Regardless of residents' distance from service stations, an indoor source (cigarette smoking) appeared to be the major contributor to their benzene exposure. Conversely, for MTBE, roadside service stations were found to be the major contributor to residents' exposure. In addition, the residents close to the stations were exposed to elevated indoor and outdoor MTBE levels. The sampling period (daytime and nighttime) and season (winter and summer) were additional parameters for the outdoor MTBE and benzene levels and the indoor MTBE levels. Meanwhile, the breathing zone air concentrations of service station attendants for both MTBE and benzene were significantly higher than those of drivers (p < 0.05). In addition, the breathing zone concentrations were significantly higher during summer than during winter for both drivers and attendants (p < 0.05).     

Genotoxic effect of copper on salivary gland polytene chromosomes of Chironomus riparius Meigen 1804 (Diptera, Chironomidae)

The genotoxic action of copper (Cu) on the polytene chromosomes of Chironomus riparius was investigated by analysing structural and functional chromosome aberrations of fourth instars larvae hatched from eggs subject to acute (48 h) exposure with three environmentally relevant concentrations of aqueous Cu (0.005, 0.01, 0.05 mg/l). A dose dependent relationship was observed between Cu concentration and frequency of chromosomal aberrations. A significantly higher frequency of functional alterations, specifically decondensed centromeres and telomeres, and reduction in activity of Balbiani rings, was observed in treated material compared to control. A comparison of breakpoints resulting from treatment with chromium and lead from earlier studies with those Cu-induced identified a series of chromosomal weak points particularly vulnerable to trace metals. We also show that the appearance of structural and functional chromosome aberrations are more sensitive indicators of acute Cu toxicity in chironomid larvae than changes in external morphology.     

A protocol for the evaluation of genotoxicity in bile of carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to lake water treated with different disinfectants

A sensitive and rapid method to evaluate toxic and genotoxic properties of drinking water supplied from Lake Trasimeno (Umbria, Central Italy) was worked out analysing bile in Cyprinus carpio exposed for 20 d to lake water treated with 3 different disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) and peracetic acid (PAA). Fish were sacrificed at 0, 10 and 20 d in order to investigate the time course of these endpoints. An aliquot of bile samples was fractionated by adsorption on C₁₈ silica cartridges and the genotoxic potential of whole bile and of bile fractions was evaluated by the single-cell microgel-electrophoresis (comet) assay on human colonic adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Bile (both whole and fractionated) from specimens exposed to the three disinfectants always showed a genotoxic activity as compared to the control group. The results of this study provide evidence that all three disinfectants cause an increase in bile genotoxicity of chronically exposed fish.     

Cytogenetic investigation of women exposed to different levels of dioxins in Chapaevsk town

Three groups of women (aged 20-40 years) exposed to different levels of dioxins were studied in Chapaevsk town: 15 women working at the chemical fertilizer plant where occupational exposure to dioxins is possible; 16 women without dioxins occupational exposure, but living as far as 1-3 km from the plant; 14 women without dioxins occupational exposure and living as far as 5-8 km from the plant. No personal correlation related to dioxins exposure was found by chromosome aberrations (CA) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, micronuclei (MN) and nuclear anomalies in buccal mucosa cells. There were no significant differences between the groups in CA and MN. Karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis were significantly increased in the highest exposed group.     

Tradescantia micronucleus test indicates genotoxic potential of traffic emissions in European cities

Urban atmospheres contain complex mixtures of air pollutants including mutagenic and carcinogenic substances such as benzene, diesel soot, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the frame of a European network for the assessment of air quality by the use of bioindicator plants, the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) test was applied to examine the genotoxicity of urban air pollution. Cuttings of Tradescantia clone #4430 were exposed to ambient air at 65 monitoring sites in 10 conurbations employing a standardised methodology. The tests revealed an elevated genotoxic potential mainly at those urban sites which were exposed to severe car traffic emissions. This bioassay proved to be a suitable tool to detect local 'hot spots' of mutagenic air pollution in urban areas. For its use in routine monitoring programmes, however, further standardisation of cultivation and exposure techniques is recommended in order to reduce the variability of results due to varying environmental conditions.     

Chromosomal aberrations in ovine lymphocytes exposed in vitro to tolylfluanid

Chromosomal aberrations have been used as important cytogenetic biomarkers to study the mutagenic effects of different chemicals in vivo and in vitro. Chromosomal aberrations were evaluated in cultures of sheep lymphocytes in vitro exposed to the fungicide tolylfluanid. Lymphocyte cultures from three donors were exposed to four different concentrations of fungicide (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L; 1.10(-6) M(.)L; 1 × 10(-7) M(.)L). Chromosomal analysis showed a significant (P = 0.018 and 0.038 respectively, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) increase in the frequency of aberrant cells (ABC) in cultures treated with the highest negative experimental concentrations of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L) compared to control. Significantly increased numbers of chromatid breaks (7.67 ± 0.58% against 1.67 ± 2.08%, P = 0.009, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) and chromatid gaps (7.67 ± 1.15% against 2.67 ± 0.58%, P?= 0.003, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) were observed in ovine cultures treated with the highest experimental concentration of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L). Tolylfluanid induced also chromosomal exchanges (P = 0.038, and 0.016 respectively, Anova test, P < 0.05, Tukey test) in ovine cultures treated with the highest experimental concentrations of tolylfluanid (1.10(-4) M(.)L; 1.10(-5) M(.)L). The mitotic index has not shown any statistical differences between the various treatments and control groups. Our results suggest a significant genotoxic effect of tolylfluanid only at the highest concentration in sheep peripheral lymphocytes in vitro.     

Efficacy of vitamin-C (L-ascorbic acid) in reducing genotoxicity in fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) induced by ethyl methane sulphonate

The genotoxic effects of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) have been assessed in a fish, Oreochromis mossambicus with endpoints including chromosome aberrations, abnormal red blood cell nuclei, abnormal sperm morphology, and protein content (both qualitative and quantitative) of selected tissues, namely, muscle, heart, eye, brain, gill, liver, spleen and kidney. EMS caused chromosomal aberrations, nuclear anomalies in red blood cells, abnormal sperm morphology, and alteration of protein synthesis in various tissues. Some of the EMS toxicity appeared to be modulated and ameliorated in this fish by vitamin-C treatment.     

Chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage in human populations exposed to the processing of electronics waste

Background, aim, and scope  It has been known that the pollutants of electronic wastes (E-wastes) can lead to severe pollution to the environment. It has been reported that about 50% to 80% of E-wastes from developed countries are exported to Asia and Africa. It has become a major global environmental problem to deal with ‘E-wastes’. E-waste recycling has remained primitive in Jinghai, China. This not only produces enormous environmental pollution but also can bring about toxic or genotoxic effects on the human body, threatening the health of both current residents and future generations living in the local environment. The concentration of lead in the blood of children in the E-waste polluted area in China is higher than that of the control area. But little is known about the cytogenetic effect to human beings caused by the pollution of E-wastes. In the present study, experiments have been performed to investigate the genetics of permanent residents of three villages with numerous E-waste disposal sites and to analyze the harmful effects of exposure to E-wastes. Materials and methods  In total, 171 villagers (exposed group) were randomly selected from permanent residents of three villages located in Jinghai County of Tianjin, China, where there has been massive disposal of E-wastes. Thirty villagers were selected from the neighboring towns without E-waste disposal sites to serve as controls. Chromosomal aberrations and cytokinesis blocking micronucleus were performed to detect the cytogenetic effect, dic + r (dicentric and ring chromosome), monomer, fragments (acentric fragments, minute chromosomes, and acentric rings), translocation, satellite, quadriradial, total aberrations, and micronuclear rate were scored for each subject. DNA damage was detected using comet assay; the DNA percentage in the comet tail (TDNA%), tail moment (TM), and Olive tail moment (OTM) were recorded to describe DNA damage to lymphocytes. Results  The total chromosome aberration rates (5.50%) and micronuclear rates (16.99%) of the exposure group were significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.000). The percentage of DNA in the comet tail, tail moment, and Olive tail moment detected by comet assay showed that there was a significant difference in DNA damage in the exposure group (P = 0.000). The chromosome aberration, micronucleus rate, and DNA damage observed in women were significantly higher than those in men. Chromosome aberration and micronuclear rates of both smokers and non-smokers in the exposure group are obviously higher than that in the control group (P = 0.000). Discussion  The use of outdated (and unsafe) ways to deal with E-wastes can lead to exposure to a variety of substances harmful to human health. The components of pollution may enter the human body through the air, drinking water, and food chain to damage human genetic material, resulting in genomic instability. The rates of chromosomal aberration, micronucleus formation, and the degree of DNA damage in women in the group exposed to electronic waste were significantly higher than in men. The reason for this may be concerned with the traditional lifestyle of the local residents or the difference of sensitivity to the exposure to E-wastes or any others. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence to demonstrate this. Conclusions  Here, we report the obviously cytogenetic toxicity to the exposure population by the E-waste pollution for the first time. E-waste pollution may be a potential agent of genetic mutation, and may induce cytogenetic damage within the general population exposed to the pollution. These findings need to be considered, and steps should be taken to protect the current population and future generations from the effects of pollution with E-wastes. Recommendations and perspectives  The above results remind us that the impact of E-waste recycling on environmental quality of Jinghai should be evaluated soon. Moreover, it is urgent for the government to prohibit E-waste import and its processing by outdated ways. The future studies such as pollutant details of drinking water, air, and soil in the area as well as epidemiological investigations on the harmful effect to children must be performed eagerly. All the data available do provide a compelling case for immediate action in both countries to address workplace health and safety and waste management. Qiang Liu and Jia Cao contributed equally to this study and share the first authorship.     

Environmental risk appraisement of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in plant model system: Allium cepa

The organic toxicants formed in chlorinated water cause potential harm to human beings, and it is extensively concentrated all over the world. Various disinfection by-products (DBPs) occur in chlorinated water are genotoxic and carcinogenic. The toxicity is major concern for chlorinated DBPs which has been present more in potable water. The purpose of the work was to evaluate genotoxic properties of DBPs in Allium cepa as a plant model system. The chromosomal aberration and DNA laddering assays were performed to examine the genotoxic effect of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), trichloromethane (TCM), and tribromomethane (TBM) in a plant system with distinct concentrations, using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as positive control and tap water as negative control. In Allium cepa root growth inhibition test, the inhibition was concentration dependent, and EC₅₀ values for trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), trichloromethane (TCM), and tribromomethane (TBM) were 100 mg/L, 160 mg/L, and 120 mg/L respectively. In the chromosome aberration assay, root tip cells were investigated after 120 h exposure. The bridge formation, sticky chromosomes, vagrant chromosomes, fragmented chromosome, c-anaphase, and multipolarity chromosomal aberrations were seen in anaphase–telophase cells. It was noticed that with enhanced concentrations of DBPs, the total chromosomal aberrations were more frequent. The DNA damage was analyzed in roots of Allium cepa exposed with DBPs (TCAA, TCM, TBM) by DNA laddering. The biochemical assays such as lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ content, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase were concentration dependent. The DNA interaction studies were performed to examine binding mode of TCAA, TCM, and TBM with DNAs. The DNA interaction was evaluated by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric studies which revealed that TCAA, TCM, and TBM might interact with Calf thymus DNA (CT- DNA) by non-traditional intercalation manner.

     

Cytogenetic monitoring of men occupationally exposed to airborne pollutants

A study of structural chromosomal aberration frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed in a group of 20 professional drivers exposed to airborne pollutants and 20 matching controls. The subjects in the latter group were of the same sex (males) and of similar age as the exposed ones, and also had similar habits of smoking and alcohol. A statistically significant increase of chromosomal aberration was observed in the exposed subjects over the control group. An increasing trend of aberrations was observed with the duration of service (exposure) in the exposed individuals. This study clearly indicates the effect of occupational exposure to airborne pollutants.     

Genotoxicity assessment of acute exposure of chlorpyrifos to freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) using micronucleus assay and alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis

Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridylphosphorothioate) is one of the organophosphate pesticides widely used in agricultural practices throughout world and irreversible inhibitor of cholinesterase in all animal species. Limited efforts have been made to study acute genotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in different tissues of fish using genotoxic biomarkers. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to study the induction of DNA damage by CPF in freshwater teleost fish Channapunctatus using micronucleus assay (MN assay) and alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The value of LC(50) - 96 h of CPF was determined as 811.98 microgl(-1) for C. punctatus, in a semi-static system and on the basis of LC(50) value three acute concentrations viz., 203, 406 and 609 microgl(-1) were determined. The fishes were exposed to the different concentrations of CPF for 96 h and samplings were done at regular intervals for assessment of the MN frequencies and DNA damage. In general, significant effects (P<0.01) from both concentrations and time of exposure were observed in exposed fishes. It was found that the micronucleus induction was highest on 96 h at all concentrations in the peripheral blood. Similar trend was observed for the DNA damage measured in terms of the percentage of tail DNA in the lymphocyte and gill cells. This study explored the combined use of micronucleus assay and comet assay for in vivo laboratory studies using fresh water fish for screening the genotoxic potential of xenobiotics.     

Environmental and biological monitoring of occupational exposure to organic micropollutants in gasoline.

An exposure risk assessment of workers in a refinery production unit was undertaken. Gasoline and its main components were investigated through environmental and biological monitoring. Measured variables were environmental benzene, toluene, pentane and hexane; benzene and toluene in blood and urine; tt-MA (metabolite of benzene) in urine. Multivariate statistical analysis of the data showed that worker's exposure to the above substances fell within the limits specified by organisations such as ACGIH. Also, biological values complied with reference values (RV) for non-occupationally-exposed population. Different values of biological variables were determined by separating smokers from non-smokers: smokers had hematic and urinary benzene values significantly higher than non-smokers. During a 3-yr sampling, it was possible to identify a significant decrease of benzene in the workplace air and of hematic benzene for non-smokers. The most exposed department, one in which tank-lorries were loaded, needs further investigation and extended monitoring.     

In situ biomonitoring of the genotoxic effects of mixed industrial emissions using the Tradescantia micronucleus and pollen abortion tests with wild life plants: demonstration of the efficacy of emission controls in an eastern European city

Aim of the study was to monitor changes of genotoxic activity of urban air caused by an incinerator and a petrochemical plant in Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) and pollen fertility assays with wild plants (Chelidonium majus, Clematis vitalba, Cichorium intybus, Linaria vulgaris, Robinia pseudoacacia). While in the first sampling period (1997-2000) significantly (on average 80%) more MN were found at the polluted site in comparison to controls from a rural area, no significant effects were observed during a later period (between 2003 and 2005). A similar pattern was observed in the pollen abortion assays in which the most pronounced effects were found in chicory and false acacia. The differences of the results obtained in the two periods can be explained by a substantial reduction of air pollution by use of new technologies. In particular the decrease of SO(2) emissions may account for the effects seen in the present study.     

Oxidative stress, liver biotransformation and genotoxic effects induced by copper in Anguilla anguilla L.--the influence of pre-exposure to beta-naphthoflavone

Fish are exposed in the aquatic ecosystems to different classes of pollutants. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals represent two important classes of aquatic contaminants. Thus, one lot of European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) was pre-exposed during 24 h to 2.7 microM beta-naphthoflavone (BNF; a PAH-like compound), and subsequently exposed during 24 h to 0, 1 and 2.5 microM copper (Cu). Additionally, another lot not pre-exposed to BNF was exposed to the same Cu concentrations. BNF pre-exposure promoted a significant increase in liver ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity, but did not change the other responses investigated in eels. On the other hand, both Cu concentrations did not modify the liver EROD activity either in eels pre-exposed to BNF or not. Liver total cytochrome P450 was increased in eels exposed to Cu 2.5 microM, being significantly only in eels not pre-exposed to BNF. Free sulfhydryl group content was decreased by 1 and 2.5 microM in eels pre-exposed to BNF or not pre-exposed, being significant at 2.5 microM Cu in eels not pre-exposed compared to its control. Liver total glutathione (TG), reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels were slightly decreased by 1 and 2.5 microM Cu in eels pre-exposed to BNF, whereas a slight tendency to increase was observed in eels not pre-exposed. Thus, liver TG and GSH significantly decreased in 2.5 microM Cu BNF pre-exposed eels compared to eels not pre-exposed to BNF. Liver glutathione reductase and catalase activities were significantly inhibited by 1 and 2.5 microM Cu in eels pre-exposed to BNF, concomitantly with a slight liver glutathione peroxidase tendency to decrease. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased by 1 microM Cu in eels either pre-exposed or not pre-exposed to BNF. Liver H(2)O(2) was significantly increased by 1 microM Cu in eels pre-exposed to BNF. Liver DNA integrity was significantly decreased by 1 and 2.5 microM Cu in eels pre-exposed to BNF. The oxidative stress and genotoxic effects induced by Cu in eels pre-exposed to BNF revealed that the metal effects are potentiated by previous exposure to BNF.     

Analyses of combined effects of cytostatic drugs on micronucleus formation in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tradescantia</Emphasis>

Recent experiments showed that 5-fluorouracil (5FU), cisplatin (CDDP), etoposide (ET), and imatinib mesylate (IM), which are currently among the most widely used anticancer drugs, cause damage of the genetic material in higher plants. The aim of the present study was to determine whether mixtures of these drugs cause synergistic or antagonistic effects which may have an impact on their environmental safety. Therefore, the effects of binary mixtures of these anticancer drugs on the induction of micronuclei (MN) which reflect structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations were assessed in Tradescantia tetrads. Synergistic/antagonistic effects were determined by comparison with single exposures that would be equally effective in a reference model of independent action. This comparison was performed at two distinct effect sizes. We found clear evidence for synergisms in combination experiments with IM and antagonism in a high-dose experiment with ET and 5FU. Our findings indicate that IM increases the genotoxic effects of other anticancer drugs. The maximal effects which we found were in the range between 19 and 38 % in the excess of effect sizes predicted under independent action. These effects may have an impact on the overall genotoxic activities of untreated hospital waste waters but not on the environment in general as the predicted environmental concentrations of the studied drugs are several orders of magnitude lower as the levels which are required to cause induction of MN in higher plants.     

Organochlorine bioaccumulation and biomarkers levels in culture and wild white seabream (Diplodus sargus)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can accumulate in the adipose fish tissues, can enter the human food chain through the consumption of fish, and cause risk to health. The use of chemical analysis, and biochemical and cellular responses is a way to detect the impact of pollutants in aquatic systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of organochlorine compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls - PCB and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites - tDDT) in, wild and cultivated, white seabream (Diplodus sargus), and also its biological effects that were evaluated by assessing the activity of biotransformation enzymes and genotoxic effects. To achieve that we have sampled five different size classes (I - 13 g, II - 64 g, III - 143 g, IV - 315 g and V - 441 g) of white seabream from a local aquaculture, and also a group of wild fish (375g) in order to compare accumulation and responses between cultured and wild fish. White seabream, cultured and wild, presented low levels of organochlorine content, both in liver and in muscle. Wild white seabream, in comparison to cultured ones at the marketable size, showed lower organochlorine accumulation. Biotransformation enzymes showed negative correlations with organochlorine levels in liver. Micronucleous numbers revealed that wild white seabream are not so exposed to genotoxic compounds as cultured ones.     

Transcriptional responses of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) to thermal, bisphenol A, and copper stresses in the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum

The designation of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly alternative to diesel oil has improved its commercialization and use. However, most biodiesel environmental safety studies refer to air pollution and so far there have been very few literature data about its impacts upon other biotic systems, e.g. water, and exposed organisms. Spill simulations in water were carried out with neat diesel and biodiesel and their blends aiming at assessing their genotoxic potentials should there be contaminations of water systems. The water soluble fractions (WSF) from the spill simulations were submitted to solid phase extraction with C-18 cartridge and the extracts obtained were evaluated carrying out genotoxic and mutagenic bioassays [the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow® kit (Litron) assay]. Mutagenic and genotoxic effects were observed, respectively, in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay and the in vitro MN test carried out with the biodiesel WSF. This interesting result may be related to the presence of pollutants in biodiesel derived from the raw material source used in its production chain. The data showed that care while using biodiesel should be taken to avoid harmful effects on living organisms in cases of water pollution.