Residual pollutants in treated pulp paper mill wastewater and their phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity in Allium cepa

Discharged pulp and paper mill wastewater (PPMW) were collected near M/s K. R. papers Limited, Shahjahanpur, India. Chemical analysis of the showed high BOD (3653–4180 mg L?1) COD (17,890–19100 values from two different sampling sites. The levels total phenol in range 389–432 L?1; nitrogen (125–234 L?1), sulfate (1926–2098 chloride (3.12–5.43 lignin (38,950–39,000 along with various heavy metals (Fe, 87–79; Zn, 34–22; Cu, 3.28–2.57; Cd, 1.90–0.36; Ni, 6–5, Pb, 41.23–36.54 above permissible limits recommended by CPCB USEPA. BOD/COD ratio was < 0.2 which indicated very low biodegradability organic matters present effluent. organometallic complex generated industry persists environment might be toxic to aquatic organisms. polymers, lignin, ions PPMW characterized using SEM, EDAX, FTIR, UV–VIS spectroscopy. major pollutants detected discharged included nonacosane, heptacosane, octadecanoic acid, hexadecane, 6-benzamide- 3- [2- [1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl] ethyl]-1, 2-benzisoxazole, as well a group plant fatty acids classified EDCs, mutagenic pollutants. cytotoxic androgenic properties these organics examined. seed germination test Phaseolus mungo cytotoxicity Allium cepa that at > 20% concentration PPMW, ?-amylase production inhibited chromosomal segregation metaphase anaphase during cell division disturbed, resulted c-mitosis, sticky chromosomes, laggard chromosomes. In addition, SEM root A. fissures fractured tissues cap, probably due inhibition auxins responsible for cap formation. findings good model examining DNA damage effluent should treated tertiary stage environmental protection.