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Background. Environmental contamination with radioactive materials of geogenic and anthropogenic origin is a global problem. A variety of mutagenicity test procedures has been developed which enable the detection of DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation. In the present study, we investigated the Allium test (the widely used plant-based genotoxicity bioassay) for the detection of genetic damage caused y-radiation. Received data indicate that this method is can be used for environmental biomonitoring. Aim of the present study was the investigation of y-radiation of the Allium test assay. Materials and methods. The bulbs of the Stuttgarter Riesen onion (Allium cepa L., 2n = 16) were kept in a cool dark place (+4–5 °C). For each sample and control were taken 3 bulbs. Distilled water was used as a control. Y - irradiation of the bulbs was carried out with the Eu152 for 3 days in doses of 0.3, 1 and 3 Gy. After 3 days, the roots were cut and fixed in Clark’s and to be placed in sealable test-tubes for long-time storing in 80% ethanol. The roots were simultaneously hydrolyzed and colored in ceramic crucibles in acetoorcein solution were boiled in the flame of an alcohol lamp. The slides prepared from squashing the root meristems with one drop of 45% acetic acid. The number of dividing cells was determined in 1000 examined cells in the field of view, with phase and chromosome aberration. Results. The appearance of giant cells, C-mitoses, nuclear buds, fragments, lagging and bridges, disturbances in the work of the fission spindle and micronuclei in irradiation at doses of 3 and 1 Gy were noted. Conclusion. As a result of the study, it was shown that y - irradiation of the onion test object (Allium cepa L.) with doses of 3, 1 and 0.3 Gy led to the appearance of cytogenetic disorders, the proportion of which significantly differed from the control.
Smirnova et al. (Tue,) studied this question.