Physicochemical Quality and Genotoxic Potential of Wastewater Generated by Canteen Complex

Ebenezer O. Dada; Chioma M. Agu; Modupe O. Akinola

doi:10.14500/aro.10463

Ebenezer O. Dada Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6004-6719
Chioma M. Agu Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos
Modupe O. Akinola Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Keywords: Chromosomal aberration, Environment, Mitodepressive, Pollution

Abstract

Canteens generate high volumes of wastewater that should constantly be subjected to physicochemical and genotoxicity screening. In this study, the wastewater generated by a canteen complex was screened for physicochemical properties and genotoxic potential using standard procedures and Allium cepa chromosome assay. Results showed that the wastewater had total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, and total hardness concentrations of 120.70 mg/l, 554.50 mg/l, and 500.00 mg/l, respectively. The chloride concentration of the wastewater (7873.60 mg/l) was much higher than the recommended limit of 250 mg/l. The wastewater inhibited root growth in A. cepa at 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations but promoted root growth at 2% and 5% concentrations. The wastewater was highly mitodepressive, with mitotic inhibition generally increasing with rising concentrations. The major chromosomal aberrations observed in A. cepa exposed to different concentrations of canteen wastewater were vagrant, sticky, and bridged chromosomes. No chromosomal aberration was observed in onion roots exposed to water (control). The differences in total chromosomal aberrations across wastewater concentrations were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In view of these results, the practice of discharging untreated canteen wastewater into drainage canals may not be environmentally sustainable.

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Author Biographies

Ebenezer O. Dada, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos

Dr. E. O. Dada holds a Ph.D. degree in Cell Biology and Genetics. He is a lecturer in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria. His research interest centres on Environmental Biology, Pollution control, and Vermitechnology.

Chioma M. Agu, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos

C. M. Agu holds a bachelor degree from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Nigeria. She looks forward to becoming an expert in Environmental Biology.

Modupe O. Akinola, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

M. O. Akinola is a Professor of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Nigeria. His research and publication experience cuts across field ecology, air quality assessment, soil pollution and remediation.

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