Comparing the presence, potency, and potential hazard of genotoxins extracted from a broad range of industrial effluents
- McGill Univ., Montreal (Canada)
- St. Lawrence Center, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)
The genotoxicity of dichloromethane extracts from effluent samples collected from 42 industries, including pulp and paper, chemical manufacturing, metal refining, metal surface treatment, and municipal waste water treatment, was examined. Genotoxicity of extracts was found to be related to sample type, industry type, metabolic activation reduced genotoxic potency values per equivalent unit or original sample revealed that effluent particulate particulate matter is on average, almost four orders of magnitude more potent than aqueous filtrates. Suspended particulate matter from organic and inorganic chemical production, petroleum and metal refining, and from metal surface treatment facilities, provided extracts significantly more genotoxic than those from sewage treatment and pulp and paper facilities. Aqueous filtrates from inorganic and organic chemical production, metal refining, and surface treatment facilities were significantly more genotoxic than those emitted by aluminum and petroleum refineries. Overall, the results suggest that pulp and paper mills emit mostly soluble genotoxins, while petroleum and aluminum refineries emit predominantly particle-associated genotoxins. Predicted Ames mutagenic potency values corresponded reasonably well with industrial waste mutagenic potency values published by other researchers. Genotoxic loading values were calculated to quantify the total daily genotoxic emission and potential hazard of each industry. Highest loading were from sewage treatment, pulp and paper, and metal refining facilities. Highest loading values were the SOS genotoxic equivalent of over 30 kg of benzo(a)pyrene per day. The ultimate hazard of genotoxic emissions is not known. Actual hazard assessment is complicated by a poor understanding assessment is complicated by a poor understanding of the postemission behavior of genotoxins. Exposure of downstream biota is likely substantial. 130 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 482561
- Journal Information:
- Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, Vol. 27, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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