Effect of water treatment on mutagenic potential

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Water Chemistry

Background:

• Assessing mutagenic potential in environmental samples is crucial for public health.
• Previous studies indicated variable mutagenic activity in water concentrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mutagenic activity of Lake Michigan and Calumet River water concentrates.
• To determine the impact of water treatment processes, including enzymatic activation, chlorination, and coagulation, on mutagenicity.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) was used to measure mutagenic activity.
• Water samples were concentrated and subjected to different treatment conditions.
• Dose-response relationships were established for various sample types.

Main Results:

• Enzymatic activation did not induce mutagenicity in the tested compounds.
• Lake Michigan water concentrates showed low mutagenic activity.
• Chlorination of Calumet River water significantly increased mutagenic activity, especially when used as a final treatment step.
• Coagulant treatment reduced the net number of revertants in Calumet River samples.

Conclusions:

• The mutagenic activity observed in water concentrates is inherent and not significantly enhanced by enzymatic activation.
• Chlorination can paradoxically increase the mutagenic potential of certain water sources.
• Coagulation appears to be an effective treatment for reducing mutagenicity in river water.