A qualidade da água da Lagoa Jacuném (Espírito Santo, Brasil) em rela??o a aspectos genotóxicos e mutagênicos, mensurados respectivamente pelo ensaio do cometa e teste do micronúcleo em peixes da espécie Oreochromis niloticus

摘要

For the assessment of water quality, physical-chemical criteria must be added to biotic aspects that can be measured by cytogenetic tests. Evolutionarily close, the fish have metabolism similar to that of higher vertebrates when exposed to harmful chemicals. Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a very good test-model for researches using the micronucleus test and comet assay, for assessment of genotoxic and mutagenic effects. The Pond Jacuném, municipality of Serra/ES, plays an important socioeconomic role. Its drainage basin is occupied by residential and industrial areas which enhance the process of eutrophication. The assessment of water quality occurred during high and low rainfall seasons in three take sampling sites. In laboratory, samplied water were stored in reservoirs with alevins. Two reservoirs corresponded the negative (water with quality) and controls (cyclophosphamide injected). After 72 hours, fish were anaesthetized and blood taken to perform the micronucleus test and comet assay. Values of physicochemical parameters indicates that the WQI (Water Quality Index) was considered good, but other parameters showed values outside of the range levels accepted by the legislation, including metals Al and Cd. It is suggested that the pond is impacted due to effluents input. The results of the micronucleus test and comet assay indicate high mutagenic and genotoxic potential. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity may be related to the presence of chemicals. The highest values of genotoxicity and mutagenicity occurred during the rainfall period of the pond. It is concluded that the pond has a high genotoxic and mutagenic potential.