Fig. 1

Cytogenetic parameters in Allium cepa root meristems exposed to increasing concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl). (a) Mitotic index, indicating the frequency of cell division; (b) percentage of mitotic index inhibition compared to the negative control (NC, distilled water); (c) chromosomal aberrations (e.g., c-mitosis, anaphase bridges, laggards), reflecting spindle and chromosomal instability; (d) nuclear abnormalities, such as lobulated or binucleated nuclei; and (e) frequency of micronuclei. LiCl concentrations tested were I. 1 mg/L; II. 2.5 mg/L; III. 10 mg/L; and IV. 25 mg/L, corresponding to I. 0.16 mg/L, II. 0.41 mg/L, III. 1.6 mg/L, and IV. 4 mg/L of lithium-ion. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SE). Statistical analyses were performed after verification of normality (Shapiro–Wilk test) and homogeneity of variance (Levene’s test). Group comparisons were made by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. In the graphs, means followed by the same letter do not differ significantly at p < 0.05.