Genetic damage in urban mice exposed to traffic pollution

Wild rodents (Mus domesticus) were collected in three areas in Rome exposed to different traffic flows to ascertain a possible correlation between genetic damage and heavy metal concentration. The concentration of lead, cadmium and zinc were determined in liver, kidney and bones and two mutagenicity tests (micronucleus test and sperm abnormality assay) were employed. The results obtained showed that the contents of lead and cadmium were higher in animals collected in areas with high traffic flows than in those from control areas. A statistically significant increase of the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes and of abnormal sperm cells was also obtained in animals collected in sites with high traffic flows. The investigation confirmed the suitability of using wild rodents as bioindicators of environmental pollution and as key-organisms in programs of pollution monitoring and environmental conservation.