A. Marco, M. Romanelli, M. Stazi
Aug 1, 1986
Citations
1
Influential Citations
18
Citations
Journal
Mutation Research\/genetic Toxicology
Abstract
Abstract Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and its trisodium salt have often been suggested as substitutes for polyphosphates in laundry detergents, in order to reduce the negative effect they exert on the ecosystems of fresh waters. NTA, therefore, has been extensively tested for mutagenicity, but contradictory data can be found in the literature. Consequently, we have tested NTA by the micronucleus test in Vicia faba and Allium cepa root tips. Our results show that NTA induces remarkable increases of the frequency of micronucleated cells both in Vicia faba and Allium cepa after “in vivo” treatments. This effect is highly enhanced by caffeine.