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U.S. Department of Energy
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Mutagenic potential of petroleum byproducts in Chesapeake Bay waters. Technical report No. 39

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6078995

Chesapeake Bay water and sediment samples from an oil polluted area (Colgate Creek) and a relatively non-polluted area (Eastern Bay) were assayed by the Ames bacterial system for the presence of mutagenic substances. The samples examined were collected in October and November of 1975 and in March, May and June of 1976. Organic extracts and/or untreated samples were assayed. Results suggest but do not establish the presence of mutagenic substances in Colgate Creek water and sediment. Unfractionated oil biodegradation products produced by indigenous Colgate Creek water and sediment bacteria were also tested for mutagenicity. Colgate Creek water and sediment were inoculated into an inorganic salts medium containing one percent motor oil. Samples of the cultures were removed as a function of time of incubation and tested in the Ames bacterial system. Organic extracts or untreated samples were assayed. Mutagenic activity in the culture samples was not detected.

Research Organization:
Ohio State Univ., Columbus (USA). Dept. of Microbiology
OSTI ID:
6078995
Report Number(s):
PB-267020
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English