Complex study of potential toxicity and genotoxicity of water samples from natural sources of the suburban zone of Almaty

Abstract

Background. Natural aquatic ecosystems are the habitat of many organisms, a source of drinking water, a resource for human activities and are subjected to anthropogenic pressure. In this regard, interest in studying the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of surface waters has increased significantly. The aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of the surface waters of the suburban area of Almaty.
 Material and methods. The research materials were water samples of the rivers Esik, Turgen and Lake Esik. The atomic absorption method, lux-test, cytogenetic tests (Hordeum vulgare L.), phytotoxicity test (Allium cepa L.) and embryotoxicity (Danio rerio H.) were used.
 Results. Physico-chemical water analysis revealed an excess of MPC for Mn, Pb, Cd, Zn. Using the lux-test on E. coli KatG strains, the pro-oxidant activity of Esik R. water. On the plant test objects revealed toxicity and mutagenicity of water samples. The results of bio-testing of natural waters with D. rerio revealed their high toxicity and teratogenicity for embryos at all stages of development.
 Conclusion. The results of this study obtained on various test-systems and test-objects indicate that surface waters are contaminated by environmentally dangerous factors that pose a threat to biota and human health.

Ecogenetic monitoring of ionizing radiation for radon-hazardous territories

“…At the radon and its daughter decay products contamination sites radiation control is carried out and doses of alpha-radiation are measured. The measured level can be used in monitoring as well as simulated in an experiment using biotests [6]. Therefore, to determine the possible genetic effects of physical or chemical agents, including radon and its decay products, special sets of tests that meet sensitivity and specificity requirements are used rather than individual tests.…”