Mutagenic activity and organic halogen contents in the residues obtained through activated carbon adsorption of drinking water.

Abstract

Activated carbon-chloroform (CCE), diethyl ether (CEE), and acetone extracts (CAE) of drinking water taken from Jan. to Nov. 1986 were tested for mutagenicity in the Ames TA98 and TA100 strains with and without S9 mix. Mutagenic activity was found often in TA100 without S9 mix, though in moderate levels, i.e., CCE (36±39), CEE (46±54) and CAE (19±13 net revertants/1). Only one CCE, which was taken from Sept. to Nov., exhibited mutagenicity in TA98 without S9 mix. The highest mutagenic activity in the TA100 strain without S9 mix was observed for the water concentrates collected during the fall season, while the lowest activity was detected for the early spring samples. Organic residue and organic halogen contents in drinking water were determined, and the relationship between these parameters and mutagenicity of the water concentrates is discussed.