The cytotoxic effect of wastewater from the phosphoric gypsum depot on common oak (Quercus robur L.) and shallot (Allium cepa var. ascalonicum)

The effect of wastewater from a phosphoric gypsum depot on common oak, Quer cus robur L., at cytogenetical level was studied. Allium-test was used as a control. The treatment of common oak seedlings with wastewater under labor atory conditions caused mitodepressive effect. Chromosome aberrations and m itotic irregularities were found. Cytogenetic analysis of common oak seedli ngs grown from acorns collected near the depot did not show changes in mito tic activity in comparison to control but the number of aberrations was hig her than in control. In comparison to Allium-test common oak was found to b e more tolerant to wastewater from the phosphoric gypsum depot. (C) 2000 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.