Evidence of micronuclei in fish blood as a biomarker of genotoxicity due to surface run off agricultural fungicide (Propiconazole)

Micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds are biomarkers of genotoxic events and chromosomal instability. In laboratory, these genome damages can be measured easily. The measurement of cytogenetic alterations in-vivo has considered an initial step in the risk assessment procedures by genotoxic agents. In fishes, micronucleus assay has shown useful in vivo techniques for genotoxicity testing, and potential for in situ monitoring of water quality. This paper evaluates the genotoxic effects of fungicide in fish erythrocytes, with emphasis on the induction of micronuclei formation. The binucleate/mononucleate cells ratio in peripheral erythrocytes exposed to propiconazole (1.11 and 2.23 mg/L) has also been used to evaluate the time-dependent response. Micronucleus frequencies induced by fungicide is significantly greater than their respective control (p < 0.05) for the fish species Clarias batrachus throughout all treatment periods. This paper is directed to assisting laboratories in the development of micronucleus test for assays of genotoxic potential of chemicals. Key words: Micronucleus assay, propiconazole, genotoxicity, binucleate/mononucleate cells.