Determination of genotoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a sediment from the Black River (Ohio).

Abstract

Polycyciic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been identified as genotoxic pollutants in sediment from the Black River, Ohio, where a high incidence of hepatoma was observed in brown bull-head catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus). Subfractions of PAH based on the number of aromatic carbons were isolated from the PAH fraction of a Black River sediment extract. Ten subfractions were analyzed by capillary column gas chromatographymass spectrometry, tested for mutagenicity using the Ames assay, and tested for induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in primary rat hepatocytes. The Ames assay indicated significant mutagenic activity in fractions which contained PAH with 4–6 aromatic rings; the majority of the activity was found in the fraction composed of 5-ring compounds. UDS was also significant in the same fractions, although the greatest genotoxicity was observed in thecata-condensed andperi-condensed 4-ring fractions which contained a large amount of alkylated-PAH.