engleski

Evaluation of phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of surface waters using duckweed (Lemna minor L.)

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the suitability of certain endpoints: growth parameters, pigment content, peroxidase activity, lipid peroxidation and alkaline comet assay as biomarkers for environmental monitoring of surface waters using duckweed plants as a test system. The surface waters were collected at three sampling sites along the river Sava and its confluents (Croatia). All samples caused inhibition of growth rates derived from frond (leaves) number, decrease of chlorophylls content and of peroxidase activity. Tail extent moment (measure of DNA strand breaks) and lipid peroxidation (measure of biomembrane injury) showed increase only in more polluted water samples. Obtained data demonstrate the relevance of duckweed as sensitive indicators of water quality as well as significance of selected biological endpoints for the reliable assessment of phyto- and genotoxic potential of surface water samples.

Lemna minor; aquatic plant; comet assay; chlorophyll; toxicity

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