Mutagenic Potential of Some Heavy Metals

Abstract—Heavy metals are a drastically different group in terms of their mutagenic properties. The mutagenic potential of eight heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, and W) has been studied using a Crepis capillaris L. plant test system. Ag and Cr have been found to be mutagens at the lowest concentrations (up to 10^–8 M); Cu and W were not mutagens. A comparative analysis of the results obtained with other plant test systems was performed and close correlations were established. The toxic and mutagenic sequences of these metals were made up.