Abstract

This study evaluated genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of water samples through the analysis of Allium cepa root cells exposed to samples from five urban lakes of Alta Floresta, state of Mato Grosso. The samples were obtained in the dry and rainy periods, October 2014 and April 2015, respectively, at five distinct points. The collection points were as follows: Lake 01, located in MT 206; Lake 02, in Avenida Perimetral Rogério Silva; Lake 03, in Sector C; Lake 04 on Teles Pires Avenue; and Lake 05, in the Cidade Bela District. Bioassays using Allium cepa bulbs were taken from the water at each point, and comparisons were made with the negative and positive controls. The results found the presence of genotoxic and cytotoxic activities on the roots of A. cepa, indicating high potential in cell cycle inhibition. This result may also be caused by the influences of seasonal periods, taking into account that in the rainy season there is a greater transport of cytotoxic substances by rainwater, and in the dry season, a higher concentration of pollutants due to the reduction of water volume, resulting in a greater interaction of the concentrators as well as a greater concentration of the elements found in the water of these lagoons.

Keywords:
bioassay; genotoxic and cytotoxic potential; seasonal periods