Assessment of teratogenecity and embryotoxicity of sludge from textile industries at Pali (India) in Swiss albino mice exposed during organogenetic period.

The present investigation was carried out to assess the teratologicaleffects of in-utero exposure of sludge leachatefrom textile and dyeing industries located in Pali, Rajasthan. Sludge was collected at the combined effluent treatment plant (CETP). Two groups of 10 pregnant Swiss albino mice each, were given sludge leachateof 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions with water ad libitum from 6 day to 15 day of gestation covering the critical periodof organogenesis. Cesarean sections were performed on day 18 of gestation and all foetuses were examined for reproductive and teratologicaltests. Sludge induced maternal toxicity was evidenced by significant increase in leachateconsumption, reduction in body weight gain and reduction in fur of the body. Developmental toxicitywas evidenced by a significant decrease in foetal weight per litter, increase in the number of resorptions and an increase in total number of foetuses showing bone retardation and skeletal variations (specially of skull, sternebrae and vertebrae). The leachateof the sludge that is being dumped in the open areas of the town Pali seems to elicit teratogenic as well as embryotoxic potential as indicated by the findings of the present investigation.