Toxic effects of phenoxyethanol in allium cepa (onion) L.

In this study, the toxic effects of Phenoxyethanol, which is widely used in cosmetic industry, has been investigated in Allium cepa L. test material by means of physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical and biochemical parameters. Germination percentage, root length and weight gain physiological parameters, micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormality and mitotic index (MI) numbers cytogenetic parameters, root end meristematic cell damage anatomical parameters and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were used as biochemical parameters. The bulbs in the control group were treated with tap water and the bulbs in the treatment group were treated with 2,5, 5,0 and 10 mM doses of Phenoxyethanol for 72 hours. Consequently, exposure to Phenoxyethanol resulted in a decrease in all measured physiological parameters, an increase in the number of MNs with chromosomal abnormality, and a decrease in MI. In addition, an increase in MDA levels in all three doses of Phenoxyethanol, an increase in SOD and CAT activities in 2,5 and 5,0 mM dose and a decrease in 10 mM dose were detected. Furthermore, administration of phenoxyethanol resulted in anatomical damage such as necrosis, cell deformation and thickening of the cortex cell wall in root tip meristem cells of A. cepa. As a result, A. cepa test material was found to be a reliable biomarker to determine the toxic effects of Phenoxyethanol.