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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

The Lambda Select cII Mutation Detection System
Published on: April 26, 2018
UV Induced Mutagenicity in Water: Causes, Detection, Identification and Prevention
1KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P O Box 1072, 3430 BB, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. Roberta.hofman-caris@kwrwater.nl.
Abstract:
At first it seemed that UV processes for disinfection and advanced oxidation were "harmless", as they didn't involve the addition of "dangerous" chemicals nor seemed to result in the formation of toxic byproducts. However, recently it has become clear that also during UV processes mutagentic/genotoxic byproducts may be formed. It was found that these are nitrogen containing aromatic compounds, which are formed by the reaction of photolysis products of nitrate with (photolysis products of) natural organic matter. Now more has become clear on the formation process of these compounds, it is possible to limit or even prevent their formation during e.g. UV/H2O2 processes. Besides, it appears to be possible to remove such byproducts by means of filtration processes. Thus, UV based processes can safely be applied in water treatment.
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