Mitotic Abnormalities Induced by Silk Dyeing Industry Effluents in the Cells of Allium cepa

The silk dyeing industry effluents were examined for the induction of mitotic abnormalities in Allium cepa root system. Cytotoxicity of the effluent was studied by treating Allium cepa roots with different concentrations of effluent (25, 50, 75, 100%) for different durations (6, 12, 24, 48 h) along with control. The effluent inhibited cell division and a strong dosage effect was obvious from a decline in the mitotic index with the increase in effluent concentration and duration of treatment. The effluent also induced a wide range of mitotic abnormalities. The abnormalities observed included stickiness of chromosomes, fragments, bridges, laggards, binucleate cells and vacuolated nuclei. The results showed that silk dyeing industry effluents act as potential mutagens.