Induction of chromosome aberrations inAllium cepaL. root tips on exposure to ballast water

Lack of enforced regulations on the exchange of ballast water from oceangoing ships has led to its indiscriminate discharge in the environment. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ballast water were investigated using the Allium cepa L. test. Bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) of ballast water, and after 48 h the root tips were processed for cytological studies by the aceto-orcein squash procedure. All concentrations induced a number of chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells. The mitotic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration. The cytotoxic effects showed strong concentration-dependent root growth inhibition with an EC50 value of 15% after 72 h.