Cytogenetic effect of radioactive or chemical contamination on spring barley intercalary meristem cells

The frequency of cytogenetic disturbance in spring barley intercalar meristem cells was studies under a range of different stressors. There was a nonlinearly dependency on Cs-137, Cd, Pb and 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) herbicide contamination concentrations in the exposure ranges used. The frequency of cytogenetic disturbance increased at the lower concentrations of the pollutants used more rapidly than at higher ones. Contamination of the soil by lead at the concentration meeting the current standards for permissible content in soil and by 2,4-D herbicide at the application rates recommended for agricultural use resulted in a significant increase in aberrant cell frequency. In these cases, the extent of observed cytogenetic disturbance was comparable with the effect induced by Cs-137 Soil contamination of 14.8 MBq/m(2). The highest severity of aberrant cell damage was observed in soil contaminated with Cs-137.