Chromosomal Aberrations Induced in Onion Bulbs (Allium cepa) Exposed to Coal Mine Effluent in Ejenma, Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/jacsr.v2i4.1022Keywords:
Aberrations, Chromosomal, Effluent, Induced, GenotoxicAbstract
The Enjema area in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, Nigeria, is profoundly impacted by coal mining activities. This current study evaluated the chromosomal aberrations induced by coal mine effluent from this region using the Allium cepa meristem assay. The sampled Onion bulb (Allium cepa) were exposed to varying concentrations of the effluent (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for 24 hours. Root tips were harvested between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. WAT for microscopic analysis of mitotic phases and chromosomal aberrations under X4, X10 and X40 magnification. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the results on concentration dependent variables were presented in bar chart. The effluent induced several chromosomal abnormalities, including sticky chromosomes, C-mitosis, spindle disturbances, binucleate cells, vacuolated cells, and fragmented chromosomes, indicating its genotoxic potential. A concentration-dependent increase in aberrations was observed, with the highest frequency (16.30%) recorded at 100% effluent concentration. These findings confirm that coal mine effluent from Enjema possesses significant genotoxic and phytotoxic properties. It is therefore crucial to enforce environmental regulations and control effluent discharge in the Enjema region to safeguard ecological and public health.
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