Cytogenotoxic Effects of Different Concentrations of Copper Sulfate Using the Allium sativum Assay

An essential model for assessing the cyto-toxicity and geno-toxicity of heavy metals is garlic (Allium sativum) assay. Using Allium sativum model, the current study sought to determine the cytogenotoxicity of copper (CuSO₄). Garlic cells at the root tip cultured on distilled water added to with different Cuso₄ concentrations (0, 1, 5, and 10 ppm), were used to create slides with mitotic cells. In order to assess cytotoxicity and genotoxicity according to the evaluation of the mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, and length of the roots, the slides were examined under a light microscope. The findings demonstrated that the applied concentrations had a significant effect on the cell, resulting in negative effects on the chromosome structure, root growth, mitotic inhibition, and mitotic index. As the concentration of CuSO₄ increased, various chromosomal abnormalities were seen, including the formation of bridges, fragmentation fragments, lagging chromosomes, stickiness, bi-nucleate cells, and micronucleus formation. The cells were less affected by even the least concentration (1ppm) than by the higher concentrations, although they still exhibited significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects (p <0.05) in comparison to the control (0.0 ppm). The effects on clastogenic alterations increase with concentration. Even at low doses, copper sulfate is cytotoxic, and at larger quantities, it can have mito-depressive effects, as evidenced by the anomalies in both mitotic spread and root growth. The findings of this study can serve as a roadmap to ensure that individuals and organs are adequately protected when using CuSO₄ on a regular basis.