Detection of DNA damage in haemocytes of zebra mussel using comet assay

The aim of the study was to use the comet assay on haemocytes of freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, for detection of possible DNA. damage after exposure to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and to evaluate the potential ap plication of the comet assay on mussel haemocytes for genotoxicity monitori ng of freshwater environment. Zebra mussels were exposed for seven days to different concentrations (10, 80, 100, 150 mug/l) of PCP and in the river S ava downstream from Zagreb municipal wastewater outlet. Significant increas e in DNA damage was observed after exposure to PCP at doses of 80 mug/l and higher and after in situ exposure in the river Sava as well. This study co nfirmed that the comet assay applied on zebra mussel haemocytes may be a us eful tool in determining the potential genotoxicity of water pollutants. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.