Abstract: The micronucleus and anaphase aberrations in Vicia faba root tips induced by a mixture of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite 3:1, a solution form of sulfur dioxide, were investigated. The results showed that sodium bisulfite solution caused micronucleus and nuclear buds in interphase cells and also anaphase aberrations such as chromosomal segment, bridge and lagging in division cells. The abnormal cells with micronuclei or chromosomal breakage were the most of all aberrant cells in the Vicia root tips after exposure to bisulfite. The frequencies of cells with various aberrations had positive response to the treated concentrations. These results indicate that SO₂ can induce cytogenetic damage in plant cells and both frequencies of Vicia micronucleus and anaphase aberrations could be used as the biological dosimeters to monitor SO₂ pollutant in the environment.

Key words: sulfur dioxide derivatives, Vicia faba, micronucleus, anaphase aberrations, biological dosimeter