The ecotoxicological relevance of Anguilla anguilla L. as a proposed cytogenetic model for brackish-water genetic toxicological studies

The Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) Assay was specially adapted to Anguilla anguilla L. Cyclophosphamide (CP) was used as a standard on the SCE frequency study in Anguilla anguilla L. The 50 and 75% Bleached Kraft Pulp Mill Effluent (BKPME) was used to study the SCE frequency in Anguilla anguilla L. in comparison with the standard cyclophosphamide results. The experimental results showed that the SCE assay is 33 h longer in Anguilla anguilla L. and also that the SCE frequency is lower in animals exposed either to cyclophosphamide or to 50 or 75% BKPME. However, further experiments with 75% BKPME showed an increase in the eel's SCE frequency compared to 50% BKPME, but it was still lower than the cyclophosphamide standard. In summary, the relevance of ecotoxicological tests, concerning the effect of industrial effluents containing potential genotoxic substances, should be based on the use of a wide range of species living in a particular habitat. The aim of this research work is to confirm the use of Anguilla anguilla L. as a genotoxic indicator, as part of the ecosystem, with a particular economic interest to this area of the country.