engleski

The micronucleus and the comet assay for in situ monitoring of genotoxicity in freshwater environments

In this study the micronucleus assay and single cell gell electrophoresis assay (comet) were used on haemocytes of swan-mussel, Anodonta cygnea, to minitor in situ genotoxicity of alluvial, continental part pf Drava/Danube basin in the eastern Slavonia (Croatia). Caged swan-mussels were exposed for three weeks at two polluted sites in the river Drava. One site was downstream from the main wastewater outlet of the city of Osijek. The other site was upstream of Osijek, in the town of Belišće. The site is receiving waste from chemical and paper-mill industry together with muncipal wastewaters. The reference site was in the National Park Kopački rit. The results of micronucleus assay showed a positive response for the sites Osijek (1.3‰ ) and Belišće (1.1‰ ) in comparison with reference site (0.6‰ ). Statistically significant increase in DNA single strand breakes was observed after exposure at both sites in the river Drava (Osijek and Belišće). This study showed that both micronucleus and comet assays used on swan-mussel haemocytes are very valuable biomarkers for in situ biomonitoring.

Anodonta cygnea; haemocytes; micronucleus assay; comet assay

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