Mutagenic detection of complex environmental mixtures using the Salmonella/arabinose-resistant assay system

The mutagenic sensitivity of SV50, the R-factor plasmid containing tester, of the Salmonella/arabinose-resistant assay system has been evaluated with different environmental complex mixtures, including extracts of airborne and diesel emission particles, oil-shale ash, nitrosated coal dust and water samples. The mutagenicities of all extracts were detectable with this assay. This study indicates that the arabinose-resistant assay with SV50 is useful for the detection of the mutagenic activity of environmental complex mixtures.