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 Nannospalax xanthodon 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 Absorption Spectrometer in the soil samples and liver tissues of the animals. The metal levels detected in liver tissues were found to be higher than the metal levels of soil samples. Therefore, Nannospalax species were considered as appropriate bioindicators for the determination of terrestrial pollution. The examination of chromosomes revealed intense deletions and fragmentations in the chromosome plates of samples from the polluted area. It was concluded that these chromosome aberrations can be associated with metal pollution.