Dergiler / Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences / 2026 / Volume: 27 Issue: 1

Seasonal changes in river water pollution levels induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in human keratinocytes

Nebiye Pelin Türker(TRAKYA UNIVERSITY, TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION AND RESEARCH CENTER)0000-0001-6060-3557
Pınar Altınoluk Mimiroğlu(TRAKYA UNIVERSITY, TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION AND RESEARCH CENTER)0000-0002-8524-0972
Sayfa
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Yayın Tarihi
2026-07-09
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⚡ TL;DR(1 Cümlede Hızlı Çıkarım)

The study underscores the necessity of incorporating biological endpoints into routine water quality monitoring to better assess health risks associated with contaminated freshwater systems.

📌 3 Maddede Bu Makale

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Amaç & Hipotez:Background: Seasonal heavy metal pollution of river waters poses a significant risk to environmental and human health; yet its biological effects are often insufficiently characterized.
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Temel Bulgular & Veri:Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations in river water pollution and to evaluate the associated cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects of these waters on human keratinocytes using an integrated in vitro approach.
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Sonuç & Katkı:The study underscores the necessity of incorporating biological endpoints into routine water quality monitoring to better assess health risks associated with contaminated freshwater systems.
🔬Tür:Research Article
📍Kapsam:Genişletilmiş Akademik Örneklem
⚙️Değişkenler:River water quality · human keratinocyte cells · reactive oxygen species

Abstract

Background: Seasonal heavy metal pollution of river waters poses a significant risk to environmental and human health; yet its biological effects are often insufficiently characterized. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations in river water pollution and to evaluate the associated cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects of these waters on human keratinocytes using an integrated in vitro approach. Methods: This study collected river water samples during the four seasons and evaluated their cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts in human keratinocytes using an integrated in vitro approach. The cells were exposed to the samples for 24 and 48 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, elemental accumulation by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, and oxidative and genotoxic responses by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8- OHdG) levels. Results: All samples induced time- and season-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas control cells were unaffected. Autumn-collected samples exhibited the maximal cytotoxicity, with cell mortality ranging from 38.94% to 80.09% at 24 h and increasing to 56.97%–81.03% at 48 h. Spring-collected samples induced the second-highest lethality, with cell death reaching ≤90.03% at 48 h. Enhanced cytotoxicity was associated with elevated cellular levels of Fe, Al, Cr, Ni, Ca, and Sr at 24 h and Ti, Mn, Zn, Cu, and P at 48 h, indicating rapid uptake and delayed accumulation patterns. River water exposure also significantly increased ROS generation (p < 0.005) and 8-OHdG levels, particularly by autumn and spring samples, demonstrating cumulative oxidative DNA damage. Conclusion: These findings indicate that seasonal river water pollution induces oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human keratinocytes. The study underscores the necessity of incorporating biological endpoints into routine water quality monitoring to better assess health risks associated with contaminated freshwater systems.

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Bu Makaleye Atıf Yap

Türker, N. P., Mimiroğlu, P. A. (2026). Seasonal changes in river water pollution levels induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in human keratinocytes. Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, Volume: 27 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.23902/trkjnat.2025108

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