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Mutagenicity screening of pesticides in the microbial system
Abstract:
A survey on the mutation induction capacity was made in the microbial system on 166 pesticides including 57 fungicides, 63 herbicides and 46 insecticides. The screening methods consisted of the rec-assay procedure, a sensitivity test utilizing H17 Rec+ and M45 Rec- strains of Bacillus subtilis, as well as the reversion assays on plates utilizing auxotrophic strains of Escherichia coli (WP2) and Salmonella typhimurium (Ames series). Chemicals inducing reversions were detected only among those showing positive effects in the rec-assay but not among negative samples. In addition to Captafol, Captan, Dexon and NBT of which mutagenicities have been previously reported, Dichlorvos, Folpet, 2-hydrazinoethanol (HEH), 5-nitro-1-naphthonitrile (NNN) and Vamidothion were found to be mutagens in our systems.
Insights
This study screened 166 pesticides for mutagenicity using microbial assays. Several pesticides, including Dichlorvos and Folpet, were identified as mutagens, highlighting potential risks associated with pesticide use.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Microbial genetics
- Chemical safety assessment
Background:
- Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, necessitating evaluation of their potential health and environmental impacts.
- Understanding the mutagenic potential of pesticides is crucial for risk assessment and regulatory oversight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the mutation induction capacity of 166 pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides) using microbial systems.
- To identify novel mutagens among commonly used agricultural chemicals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the rec-assay procedure with Bacillus subtilis strains (H17 Rec+ and M45 Rec-).
- Employed reversion assays on plates using auxotrophic strains of Escherichia coli (WP2) and Salmonella typhimurium (Ames series).
Main Results:
- Mutagenic effects were detected only in pesticides showing positive results in the rec-assay.
- Identified Dichlorvos, Folpet, 2-hydrazinoethanol (HEH), 5-nitro-1-naphthonitrile (NNN), and Vamidothion as mutagens.
- Confirmed previously reported mutagenicity for Captafol, Captan, Dexon, and NBT.
Conclusions:
- The rec-assay is an effective screening tool for detecting mutagenic pesticides.
- Several pesticides, previously not identified as mutagens, pose a risk due to their DNA-damaging potential.
- Findings emphasize the need for continued toxicological evaluation of pesticides.