Genotoxic effects of cadmium and plumbum against Acanthamoeba castellanii (CCAP 1501/2A) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga (CCAP 1501/3A) a laboratory study

Abstract

Heavy metals such as cadmium and plumbum or their compounds have been used extensively by various anthropogenic activities such as metal-finishing, mining and chemical industries. This has led to a sharp increase in the heavy metal contamination of water and greatly influences the behavior of aquatic ecosystem. This study was carried out to assess the genotoxic effects of cadmium and plumbum on the DNA of Acanthamoeba castellanii (CCAP 1501/2A) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga (CCAP 1501/3A) in vitro. These amoebae are free-living amoebae which play an important role in maintaining ecological balance as they function to consume bacteria in water hence controlling the bacteria population.