Genotoxicity assessment of water samples from Gomti river, U.P. India using the Allium cepa L. test

The present work was performed using the common onion ( Allium cepa L.) was used to evaluate the genotoxicity of Gomti river water. The test water was collected at five sampling sites. The samples were analysed for macroscopically and microscopically evaluated. The water samples showed root growth and mitotic inhibition ( MI) in Allium cepa. However the inhibitory effects were not dose dependent. All water samples increased the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and two water samples produced alteration in mitotic index of the root cells. Water samples also altered root growth and morphological modifications in the Allium cepa roots. Water collected from Nishatganj bridge was most consistently toxic and genotoxic of the samples. The data indicate that Gomti river water contain toxic and genotoxic compounds that potentially may impact this aquatic ecosystem.