HEAVY METAL-ASSOCIATED CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS IN SUBTERRANEAN MAMMALS (RODENTIA: SPALACIDAE) FROM POLLUTED SOILS

Authors : Tuba YAĞCI, Rafig GURBANOV

Pages : 169-178

Doi:10.18036/estubtdc.653015

View : 17 | Download : 16

Publication Date : 2020-07-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, the chromosomal aberrations were investigated for the first time in the subterranean Nannospalax xanthodon species. The sites in Bilecik province where the samples were collected was divided into the metal-polluted and non-polluted area. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc were measured on the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer in the soil samples and liver tissues of the animals. The metal levels detected in liver tissues were found to be higher than the metal levels of soil samples. Therefore, it has been revealed that the Nannospalax species are appropriate biomonitors for the determination of terrestrial pollution. The examination of chromosomes revealed intense deletions and fragmentations in the chromosome plates of samples from the polluted group. It has been shown that these chromosome aberrations can be associated with metal pollution.
Keywords : Heavy metal, Chromosomal aberrations, Subterranean life, Nannospallax xanthodon