Genotoxicity assessment on presence of metal(loid)s in drinking water source and tap water

It is important to quantify the concentrations of metalloids and heavy metals (metal(oid)s) in drinking water sources and tap water due to contamination of drinking water sources by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. In this study, the genotoxicity of drinking water sources (Kacalı River) and tap water (Perşembe district) was mainly investigated by comet assay. The effect of metal(loid)s was monitored in vivo using erythrocyte cells of Cyprinus carpio. The eight heavy metals (aluminium, nickel, cadmium, lead, manganese, iron, copper, zinc) and one metalloid (arsenic) were found in the water samples and the total content of metal(loid)s was determined seasonally. In general, the total metal(loid)s content of the Perşembe tap water was higher than that of the Kacalı River in all seasons. Especially in summer, tap water causes higher DNA damage in C. carpio erythrocytes. Water samples from the Kacalı River showed significantly higher genotoxicity compared to control groups in all seasons. Careful management of water supplies is needed to reduce the health risks associated with genotoxicity in drinking water.