Frequency of occurrence of micronucleus formation & binucleated cells in Allium cepa root tips grown hydroponically in waters obtained from river systems of Metro Manila

Abstract

This study assessed the presence of genotoxicants present in the river systems of Metro Manila through the A. cepa root tip assay. The assay used the mitotically-active cells of the root meristem and exposes them to pollutants present in the water samples obtained in Pasig, San Juan and Marikina Rivers. The formation of aberrations in the chromosomes of the root tip cells is an indicator of the presence of genotoxic substances in the sample. Results of the study showed that genotoxic substances were present in the waters of all three rivers. A significant increase in micronuclei induction was observed in the root tips exposed to waters from all three rivers, while a significant increase in binucleated cells formation was also observed in the root tips exposed to the waters of the San Juan and Marikina rivers. Further analysis can be performed on the rivers especially in determining the genotoxicants present in the river water systems of Metro Manila.