Evaluation of Cyto-genotoxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) to Allium cepa

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as contaminants of global concern. Among several PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are persistent and bioaccumulative compounds. We investigated the cyto-genotoxic potential of PFOS to Allium cepa root meristem cells. The A. cepa root tips were exposed to 6 different concentrations (1-100 mg L-1) of PFOS for 48 h. Reduction in mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations was measured as genotoxic endpoints in meristematic root cells. Exposure to PFOS significantly affected cell division by reducing the miotic index at higher concentrations (>10 mg L-1). The median effect concentration of PFOS to elicit cytotoxicity based on the mitotic index was 43.2 mg L-1. Exposure to PFOS significantly increased chromosomal aberrations at concentrations >25 mg L-1. The common aberrations were micronuclei, vagrant cells, and multipolar anaphase. The alkaline comet assay revealed a genotoxic potential of PFOS with increased tail DNA percentage at concentrations >25 mg L-1. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the cyto-genotoxic potential of PFOS in higher plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;00:1-7. (c) 2020 SETAC

Automated summary

The study found that PFOS has significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on Allium cepa root meristem cells. As the concentration increases, cell division decreases and chromosomal aberrations increase. This is the first study to investigate the cyto-genotoxic potential of PFOS in higher plants.