Photodynamic bioassay of polycyclic air pollutants

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1963.10663581· OSTI ID:5524289

Epstein, S S; Small, M; Koplan, J; Mantel, N; Falk, H L; Sawicki, E

Fifteen fractions of organic atmospheric particulates from several American cities were bioassayed for photodynamic activity using paramecium caudatum and results obtained were expressed as apparent potencies relative to an arbitrary benoz(a)pyrene standard. All six crude benzene extracts assayed showed photodynamic activity, with a correlation evident between apparent relative potencies as determined by bioassay, and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations as determined by chemical analysis. Five aliphatic fractions were photodynamically inactive. The single aromatic fraction tested had high activity. Three oxygenated fractions showed photodynamic activity, despite the absence from them of benzo(a)pyrene and other polycyclic hydrocarbons of known structure commonly found in atmospheric particulates. Such oxygenated fractions are reportedly carcinogenic. This pilot study suggests that photodynamic bioassay may provide a rapid, simple, and economical biological index of potential carcinogenic hazard attributable to polycyclic hydrocarbons. The utility of the assay for this purpose should be further evaluated. 14 references, 2 figures, 4 tables.

• Research Organization: Children's Cancer Research Foundation, Inc., Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5524289
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 7; ISSN AEHLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560302 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Microorganisms-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BENZOPYRENE
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CILIATA
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
CORRELATIONS
HYDROCARBONS
INVERTEBRATES
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PARAMECIUM
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTANTS
POLLUTION
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
PROTOZOA
TOXICITY
URBAN AREAS