Comparison of the mutagenicity of chemical agents released during coke production

Benzene- and acetone-extracted samples of airborne particulate matter collected in two coke plants were analysed for their content of genotoxic agents (coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): benzo/a/pyrene, pyrene, dibenzo/a,h/anthracene, anthracene and fluoranthene) following the identification and quantification of the compounds as well as the evaluation of their mutagenic activity using in vitro reverse mutation assay. Results of determinations at the top section of coke batteries were compared. Mean concentrations of total dust, CTPVs and B/a/P were as follows: 2.06 mg/m3, 0.63 micrograms/m3 in plant A, and 2.77 mg/m3, 0.89 mg/m3 and 0.35 micrograms/m3 in plant B, respectively. All the extracts of particulate matter samples increased the induction of bacterial mutation in both +S9 and -S9 tests. The exposures to mutagenic airborne particulate matter were in the range of 98-683 rev./m3 (-S9): 714-2214 rev./m3 (+S9) in plant A, and 21-496 rev./m3 (-S9); 68-850 rev./m3 (+S9) in plant B. The correlation between mutagenic potential and concentrations of tested agents was insignificant. The coke oven emission seemed to be higher in plant A with side charging of coal.