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Mutagens in surface waters: a review.
Takeshi Ohe1, Tetsushi Watanabe, Keiji Wakabayashi
1Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyoto Women's University, 35 Kitahiyoshi-cho, Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-8501, Japan. ooe@kyoto-wu.ac.jp
Mutation Research
|December 2, 2004
Summary
Surface waters globally are contaminated with mutagens, detected using the Salmonella/mutagenicity test and aquatic organism bioassays. Further research is needed to identify specific mutagenic chemicals in these waters.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Surface water contamination poses risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
- Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of surface waters are significant environmental concerns.
- Previous studies have identified various mutagens in surface waters, but comprehensive identification remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of surface waters.
- To analyze data from mutagenicity bioassays and identify common mutagens.
- To assess the effectiveness of different monitoring methods for genotoxic contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published since 1990 on surface water mutagenicity/genotoxicity.
- Analysis of data from Salmonella/mutagenicity tests (TA98, TA100) with and without metabolic activation.
- Review of studies using aquatic organisms (teleosts, bivalves) and DNA modification assays (32P-postlabeling, comet assay, micronucleus test).
- Examination of chemical identification methods, including bioassay-directed analysis.
Main Results:
- Approximately 15% of samples tested positive for mutagenicity towards TA98 and 7% towards TA100.
- 3-5% of samples were classified as highly or extremely mutagenic.
- Rivers in Europe, Asia, and South America show contamination with potent direct- and indirect-acting mutagens from industrial and domestic sources.
- Aquatic organism bioassays and DNA modification assays are sensitive tools for monitoring genotoxicity.
- Specific mutagens identified include heavy metals, PAHs, heterocyclic amines, pesticides, PBTA-type mutagens, and PCB derivatives.
Conclusions:
- Surface waters in various regions are contaminated with significant levels of mutagens.
- Mutagenicity/genotoxicity assays are crucial additions to water quality monitoring programs.
- While some mutagens have been identified, further research is needed for comprehensive chemical isolation and identification.
- Effective monitoring requires a combination of chemical analysis and bioassays to detect and identify genotoxic contaminants.