Evaluation of pharmaceutical industry wastewater for their cyto-genotoxic potential and oxidative stress induced by the waste

Wastewater from pharmaceutical industries has made pharma industries as one of the major emerging pollutants. In this study, physicochemical parameters were evaluated, and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were analyzed by ICP-AES. LC-MS revealed the presence of various organic pollutants including antibiotics (Levofloxacin, Kanamycin, Streptothricin F), anticancer drugs, β-blockers, hormones, NSAIDs, psychiatric drugs, and CNS stimulators, among other PPCPs. The cyto-genotoxic potential of wastewater was evaluated using <i>Allium cepa</i> chromosomal aberration assay. Toxicity was measured through mitotic index and chromosomal aberration after treatment with different concentrations (v/v) of wastewater. Significant increase in chromosomal abnormalities and decrease in mitotic index with increasing concentration of effluent was observed. The lowest MI was recorded (7%) at 100% concentration of wastewater. Furthermore, to assess phytotoxicity <i>Vigna radiata</i> seed germination assay was performed and found that the number of seeds germinated and other parameters such as seedling vigor index, radical and plumule length significantly decreased when treated with different concentrations of wastewater. Oxidative stress was shown in <i>Vigna radiata</i> root by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. This study highlights the toxicological risk posed by pharmaceutical wastewater due the presence of various PPCPs and PTEs which might be toxic and adversely affect human health, plants as well as environment.