The Allium test as a standard in environmental monitoring

TLDR

The Allium test, a low‑cost, short‑term assay with favorable chromosome conditions and MFO‑system activation, is proposed as a standard component of environmental monitoring batteries and shows strong correlation with other test systems. The test employs series of onions at each concentration to generate effect‑concentration values from growth curves, allowing statistical analysis. Positive Allium test results indicate that the tested chemical may pose risks to human health and the environment.

Abstract

The Allium test is suggested as a standard in environmental monitoring, e. g. as a part of a test battery. Background, the method including suggested parameters for standard use, results from various application areas and comparisons with a number of other test systems are presented. The Allium test is a short-term test with many advantages: low cost, ease to handle, good chromosome conditions for the study of chromosome damage or disturbance of cell division including the evaluation of risks of aneuploidy. The ability of the root cells to activate promutagens (the MFO-system) further widens the application areas of the Allium test. The use of series of onions for each concentration of the test chemical allows statistical considerations, and from growth curves Effect-Concentration values are obtained. The Allium test is, lastly, a sensitive test showing good correlation to other test systems. Thus, positive results in the Allium test should be considered as a warning and also an indication that the tested chemical may be a risk to human health and to our environment.