European Journal of Applied Sciences 8 (5): 277-281, 2016 ISSN 2079-2077 © IDOSI Publications, 2016 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.ejas.2016.8.5.1142 Corresponding Author: P.N. Abara, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. 277 Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Two Detergents on Rattus norvegicus P.N. Abara, U.A. Ibiam, B. Ubi and A.C. Udebuani 1 2 3 4 Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, 1 P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria Department of Biochemistry, Ebonyi State University, 2 P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Department of Biotechnology, Ebonyi State University, 3 P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, 4 P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria Abstract: In the present work, we have evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of Omo® and Ariel® detergents on the bone marrow erythrocyte of Rattus norvegicus using the micronucleus (MN) and nuclear lesion (NL) tests. The groups exposed to varying concentrations of the two detergents showed statistically significant differences in MN and NL frequencies with respect to the control. Also, a significant increase (p < 0.001) in micronuclei and nuclear lesion frequencies were recorded with increase in detergent concentrations and period of exposure. The formation of nuclear abnormalities confirmed the results of induction of MN and is indications of genotoxic damage. Key words: Cytotoxicity Genotoxicity Detergent Rattus norvrgicus INTRODUCTION of Nigeria use detergents to ferment cassava used for Detergent means any substance which has the ability fermentation process. In all of these practices, residual to clean an object. This includes soaps. Soap powders detergents are deposited in the utensils, fruits and and dish washing liquids. The major components of vegetables, eggs and the fermented cassava, exposing detergents are the surface active agents known as humans to daily intake of sub lethal doses of detergent by surfactants. Most detergents contain a mixture of the oral route. surfactants to boost detergency [1]. Commercial The nucleus is the organelle in the cell that contains detergents also contain substances such as enzymes, the genetic material (DNA) that directs normal cellular brighteners, builders and dyes. The most common builder function and cellular reproduction [2]. Chromosome used is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Since shape, size and number are constant for any species of phosphates are good fertilizers, they cause the algal organism. During cell division, the genetic material bloom which leads to eutrophication and subsequently, replicates and then divides equally between the two pollution. daughter cells that are produced. If the process is Detergents have been put into other uses such as disrupted, or the chromosomes are broken or damaged by washing up dishes and utensils, vegetables and fruits chemicals or radiation, then the distribution of genetic such as carrots and oranges are washed with detergents material between the two daughter nuclei during cell to improve their appearance and acceptability by buyers. division may be affected and pieces or entire Retailers boil eggs with detergent believing that eggs chromosomes may fail to be included in either of the two boiled with detergents will not crack during boiling and daughter nuclei [3]. When this occurs, the genetic material the shell is easier to peel. Rural women the eastern parts that is not incorporated into a new nucleus may form its fufu. They believe that addition of detergent quickens the