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

Abstract

In this preliminary study, the chromosomal aberrations were investigated for the first time in the subterranean Nannospalaxxanthodon species. The locations in Bilecik province where the samples were collected were divided into the polluted and nonpolluted area. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc were measured on the Atomic AbsorptionSpectrometer in the soil samples and liver tissues of the animals. The metal levels detected in liver tissues were found to be higherthan the metal levels of soil samples. Therefore, Nannospalax species were considered as appropriate bioindicators for thedetermination of terrestrial pollution. The examination of chromosomes revealed intense deletions and fragmentations in thechromosome plates of samples from the polluted area. It was concluded that these chromosome aberrations can be associated with metal pollution.