Genotoxicity of Industrial Paint Effluent on the Root Meristem of Allium Cepa

The genotoxic effects of the industrial effluent from a paint (100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.50% and 0.25%) manufacturing company in Ikotun, Lagos was evaluated using the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. chromosomal aberration assays were used to determine the mitotic index and chromosome aberration rate. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the average root length of Allium cepa exposed to the various concentrations of the industrial. The phase index for each mitotic phase arrest was evaluated. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) in phase index. There was an increase in the mitotic inhibition as the concentration increased whereas there was a decrease in the mitotic index, indicative of an inverse relationship shared by the two properties. The effluent induced chromosomal aberrations in the meristematic cells of the A. cepa root tip and laggards were the most frequently observed of the aberrations induced. The use of less or nontoxic alternatives, in the manufacturing process, was advocated as well as the suitability of A. cepa chromosomal assay as a tool for biomonitoring of environmental pollution by industrial effluents and wastewater was discussed.