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Mutagenic activity in the River Meuse in Belgium
The Science of the Total Environment
|August 1, 1981
Summary
Frameshift mutagens, potent inducers of genetic mutations, were found in the River Meuse. Cokes-oven effluents were identified as a major source, linked to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- River Meuse downstream of Liège shows mutagenic activity.
- Metabolic activation is often required to detect mutagenic effects.
- Mutagenic activity correlates inversely with river flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify sources of frameshift mutagens in the River Meuse.
- Characterize the chemical nature of these mutagens.
- Determine the contribution of industrial discharges.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of river water and industrial effluents.
- Metabolic activation assays.
- Fractionation of effluents using chromatography (gel, adsorption).
- Chemical characterization of active fractions.
Main Results:
- Two coke-oven effluents contained high levels of frameshift mutagens.
- Mutagenic activity was found in neutral and basic fractions.
- Active fractions contained polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aza-arenes.
- River water mutagenicity localized to PAH fractions.
Conclusions:
- Coke-oven effluents are a significant source of frameshift mutagens in the River Meuse.
- PAHs and aza-arenes are key contributors to the observed mutagenicity.
- Environmental monitoring and control of industrial discharges are crucial.