Evaluation of potential mutagenic and bioindicator of the heavy metals of Baccharis trimera Less and Equisetum giganteum L.

• Grant number: 13/01331-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Ethnopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Regildo Márcio Gonçalves da Silva
• Grantee: Vanessa Marques de Oliveira Moraes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Some biomarkers are bio-accumulators, for denouncing the presence of toxic substances. These consist of organisms that can survive in a narrow spectrum of natural conditions and environmental changes can cause changes in biological functions reflected in their genetic material. The mutagens are agents that cause alterations in the DNA sequence corresponding to the induced mutations. Being heavy metals the most common mutagens in aquatic environments. Baccharis trimera Less (gorse) is a shrubby plant that stands out for its ability to accumulate heavy metals present in the water. Equisetum giganteum L. (horsetail) is a vascular seedless plant considered a deposit of minerals and vitamins. The objective of this project is to assess the mutagenic potential of heavy metals and Bioaccumulative Baccharis trimera Less and Equisetum giganteum L. Specimens of gorse and horsetail are cultured and exposed to metal solution and controls for 30 days. The vegetative parts collected will be crushed and dried in an oven for the preparation of extracts. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts at different concentrations are prepared with ultrapure water. The heavy metals present in the extracts are quantified by atomic absorption analysis. The Allium cepa test will be conducted to analyze the genotoxic activity of extracts. The test Comet in root A. strain is performed in extracts to quantify DNA damage caused by the presence of mutagens (heavy metals). Daphnia magna is used as a bioindicator in toxicity test of the extracts.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MORAES, Vanessa Marques de Oliveira. Avaliação do potencial mutagênico e bioacumulador de metais pesados de Baccharis trimera Less e Equisetum hyemale L. 2014. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Letras. Assis Assis.