OIL AND GAS INDUSTRIAL-CHEMICALS CYTOTOXICITY STUDIED BY ALLIUM TEST

Allium test has already been used to determine cytotoxicity of waste d rilling fluids. In the present work the cytotoxicity of four pure chem icals (Defoamex, Idthin 400, Magco Thin and Slick Pipe) was investigat ed. Those chemicals are components of drilling fluids, therefore, they are usually constituents of oil and gas industry waste waters. The te sted chemicals were prepared in 1:9 dilution and cytotoxic effects on root-tip meristem of Allium ascalonicum were analysed after 24-, 48- a nd 72-hour-treatments. All samples showed cytotoxicity which was prove d by cytogenetic parameters such as inhibition of mitotic activity and increase of mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations in comp arison with the control. Almost all mitotic abnormalities induced by f our chemicals tested were the result of disturbed spindle mechanisms a ccompanied with stickiness. Slick Pipe revealed the most prominent mit odepressive effect and induced a high number of abnormalities. It caus ed a significant decrease of mitotic activity and increase of mitotic abnormalities after all three treatment durations, while chemicals Def oamex and Magco Thin showed a significant decrease of mitotic activity only after 72-hour-treatment. Chemicals Defoamex, Idthin 400 and Magc o Thin revealed a significant increase of mitotic abnormalities after 48- and 72-hour-treatments.