The Effect of Waste Water on Root Growth and Mitosis in Onion (Allium cepa) Root Apical Meristem

In this study, the phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of waste waters and also mitotic index were investigated in onion (Allium cepa) root tip cells during germination. For this aim, samples of water from effluent channels of Olmuksa-paper, paddy and Textile-thread Factories were used in Edirne-Turkey on March 2002. The mineral content of the effluent was monitored by flame AAS and pH values of samples were measured. Tap water was used as control. The mitotic frequency of the onion root tip meristematic cells increased in samples of water from effluent channels. On the basis of present findings it may concluded that low concentrations of minerals in waters of effluent channels of textile-thread, paddy and Olmuksa-paper mill has some positive effects on root growth and mitotic divisions in onion root tip cells.