Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation of chloroform using Vicia faba roots.

This article focuses on evaluating the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chloroform, a widely used industrial chemical and common water chlorination byproduct, on plant cells using the Vicia faba bioassay. The study found that chloroform exposure at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5 mg·L⁻¹ caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in the mitotic index and increases in micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberrations in Vicia faba root tip cells, indicating genetic damage. Additionally, chloroform induced oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which correlated positively with genotoxic markers. These findings suggest that chloroform can cause oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in plants, highlighting the need for further research and regulatory attention to control environmental chloroform pollution.