Rec effect of certain textile dyes in Bacillus subtilis

A large number of compounds are toxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic an d/or carcinogenic. The genotoxicity of four textile dyes commonly used in I ndia namely Sulphur Red Brown 360 (SRB), Jade Green 2G (JG), Reactofix Turq uoise Blue 5GFL (RTB) and Direct Scarlet 4BS (DS) was determined by Bacillu s subtilis spore Rec assay, both in the presence and absence of metabolizin g activation mixture (S9 mix). Each dye was toxic at higher dose levels. A dose-dependent increase in the depth of,growth inhibition zones was observe d for all dyes. Zones of inhibition were usually clearer at higher doses of the dyes and with Rec - bacteria, but were translucent with Rec + bacteria . SRB and DS were toxic to Rec + and Rec - bacteria. JG was less genotoxic in the absence of S9 mix, however, its genotoxic potential increased in the presence of S9 mix. Reactofix T blue was more genotoxic in the absence of S9 mixture. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.