Chromosomal effects of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb) on cultured mammalian cells in the presence of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)†

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Abstract
Genotoxic metals are diffused in the environment, and are often sequestered as insoluble precipitates in water sediments and sludges. Their solubilization by chelating agents is well documented and is recognized as the major hazard deriving from the introduction of NTA. Soluble metal compounds (CdCl2, K2Cr2O7, HgCl2, and NiCl2) significantly increase the SCE frequency in cultured hamster cells (CHO line) with a clear dose‐effect relationship, and the addition of equimolar concentrations of NTA apparently does not enhance SCE induction by these metals. On the other hand, the SCE frequencies are significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner by insoluble metal compounds (CdCO3, PbCrO4, HgCl, NiCO3 and PbSO4), and a significant increase of this effect is seen in the presence of equimolar concentrations of NTA. An interaction of NTA with the insoluble metal compounds, particularly CdCO3, HgCl and PbSO4, may also be inferred from statistically significant increases in the frequencies of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations (both gaps, mono‐ and isochromatid breaks and fragments) in human lymphocytes treated in vitro with metals in the presence of NTA, compared to the frequencies induced by metals alone.

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