Genotoxic and mutagenic response of routinely used pesticides at existent field concentrations

Abstract The indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture has knocked up hazardous environmental implications as well as adversely effected human health. Evidently, contamination of soil and water from these agrochemicals is one of the major global concerns. However, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of abundantly used pesticides cannot be mislaid. This study is focussed on evaluating the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of different classes of pesticides such as synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphates, phenyl pyrazole and organic emulsified based oil. All experimental doses analysed were representative of those currently applied in the field conditions. Primary mutations on Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains were evaluated to determine frameshift and base-pair mutations whereas genotoxicity was monitored at several parameters such as mitotic index, breaks, fragments, rings, dicentrics, aberrant cells and nuclear division index. Micronuclei frequency was also evaluated in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes for 48 h. Results indicated highest frameshift mutation in nico-neem and base pair mutations in fipronil at working concentrations with respect to control. Nico neem further displayed highest chromosomal disruption and maximum BNMN frequency indicating highest genotoxic and cytotoxic at existent field concentration. Findings from this study clearly highlighted the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of nico-neem despite of being an organic emulsified oil-based pesticide. Moreover, moderate genotoxicity was indicated by monocrotophos and fipronil, whereas, lambda cyhalothrin was found to be less genotoxic and cytotoxic than other pesticides in chromosomal aberration and CBMN assay.