Electronic pollution is caused by discarded electrical or electronic devices. Disposed electronic waste can leach out into the surrounding area and contaminate aquatic organisms, groundwater, crops, and livestock. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the most important components of E-waste, as they are present in almost all electronic and electrical devices. Hence, the aim of this research is to perceive the effects of electronic pollution in aquatic organisms. Selecting suitable biomonitoring systems is the fundamental step in genotoxicity study, and therefore, Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is used as an animal model. It serves as a powerful platform for research on molecular events and haematology. In-vivo Micronucleus(MN) assay was performed to determine the genotoxic potential of Electronic waste (PCBs), by evaluating the presence of micronuclei, where cyclophosphamide was used as the positive control. The composition of metals in the E-waste leachate was estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Heavy metals analysed in the test samples are believed to contribute significantly to the observed genetic damage. MN analysis showed a concentration-dependent induction of micro nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) across the treatment groups. It is apparent that printed circuit boards of cell phones cause genotoxicity in Zebrafish which is determined by the presence of micronuclei. This indicates that E-waste contains potential genotoxic agents and a plausible genetic risk in exposed aquatic organisms.

Keywords: E-waste, genotoxicity, Zebra fish