Genotoxicity of pentachlorophenol revealed by allium chromosome aberrationassay

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is known to be a very effective biocide, used very widely a few years ago. Eventually its use was stopped in many countries wh en it was shown that PCP is highly toxic, especially to water organisms, an d to some land animals and plants. However, PCP is still present in the env ironment, mostly as a metabolic product of some pesticides. Roots of shallo t (Allium ascalonicum auct.) were exposed to different concentrations of PC P: 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/dm(3) for 24 h. The tested solutions were adju sted to pH 3.0, 6.0 or 8.0. Root tip cells were analyzed either after 24 h of treatment or after treatment and 48 h recovery in water. Genotoxic effec ts of PCP in root tip cells were noted, the extent of which depended on the PCP concentration and pH. Chromosome and mitotic aberrations were found, i ncluding the significant occurrence of micronuclei, chromosome bridges and multipolar cells.