Characterization of atmospheric particulate and metallic elements at Taichung Harbor near Taiwan Strait during 2004-2005

Air aerosol samples for TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10), fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) and metallic elements were collected during March 2004 to January 2005 at TH (Taichung Harbor) in central Taiwan. The seasonal variation average concentration of TSP (total suspended particulate), coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10) and fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) were in the range 132–171.1 μg m⁻³ and 43–49.5 μg m⁻³, respectively. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during spring. Seasonal variation of metallic elements Pb, Cr and Mg in the TSP (total suspended particulate) shows that higher concentration was observed during winter. The average metallic element TSP (total suspended particulate) concentration order was Fe > Zn > Mg > Cu > Cr > Mn > Pb in spring. In addition, at the TH sampling site, the average concentration variation of TSP (total suspended particulate) displayed the following order: spring > winter > autumn > summer. However, the average concentration variation of coarse particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter 2.5–10 μm, PM_2.5–10) displayed the following order: spring > winter > summer > autumn. Finally, the average concentration variations of fine particulate (particle matter with aerodynamical diameter <2.5 μm, PM_2.5) were in the following order: winter > spring > summer > autumn at the TH sample site.     

Determination of PM2.5 sources using time-resolved integrated source and receptor models

Multivariate statistical techniques are applied to particulate matter (PM) and meteorological data to identify the sources responsible for evening PM spikes at Sunland Park, NM (USA). The statistical techniques applied are principal components analysis (PCA), redundancy analysis (RDA), and absolute principal components scores analysis (APCSA), and the data evaluated are 3-h average (6–9 p.m.) PM_2.5 mass and chemical composition and 1-h average PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass and environmental data collected in the winter of 2002. Although the interpretation of the data was complicated by the presence of sources which are likely changing in time (e.g. brick kilns), the multivariate analyses indicate that the evening high PM_2.5 is associated with burning-activities occurring to the south of Sunland Park, and these emissions are characterized by elevated Sb, Cl⁻, and elemental carbon; 68% of the PM_2.5 mass can be attributed to this source. The PM₁₀ evening peaks, on the other hand, are mainly caused by resuspended dust generated by vehicular movements south of the site and transported by the local terrain-induced drainage flow.     

Exposure of trucking company workers to particulate matter during the winter

This study analyzed the workplace area concentrations and the personal exposure concentrations to fine particulate (PM_2.5), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) measured during the winter period in trucking companies. The averaged personal exposure concentrations at breathing zones of workers are much greater than those of the microenvironment concentrations. The highest difference between the area (microenvironment) and personal exposure concentrations was in the PM_2.5 concentrations followed by the OC concentrations. The area concentrations of PM_2.5, EC, and OC at a large terminal were higher than those at a small one. The highest area concentrations of PM_2.5, EC, and OC were observed in the shop areas followed by pick-up and delivery (P&D) areas. The area concentrations and personal exposure to PM_2.5, EC, and OC in the shop and P&D areas which are highly affected by diesel engine exhaust emissions were much higher than those in the docks which are significantly affected by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engine exhaust emissions. The highest EC fraction to the total carbon (EC + OC) concentrations was observed in the shops, while the lowest one was identified in the offices. The personal exposure of the smoking workers to PM_2.5 and OC was much higher than that of the non-smoking workers. However, the smoking might not significantly contribute to the personal exposure to EC. There were significant correlations between the PM_2.5 and OC concentrations in both the area and personal exposure concentrations. However, significant correlations between the PM_2.5 and EC concentrations and between the OC and EC concentrations were not identified.     

Occurrence of organochlorine insecticides, PCBs and PCB congeners in waters and sediments of the Ebro River (Spain)

Complex mixtures extracted from air filters exposed for 24 h in two sessions (27 July and 02 August 1991) and at two locations (Merced, downtown, and Pedregal de San Angel, south-west) in Mexico City were analysed. The organic extracts were from airborne particles equal or smaller than 10 microns (PM10), and from total suspended particles (TSP). These organic extracts were assayed in the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in wings of Drosophila melanogaster using two different crosses as well as in the Salmonella/microsome assay using strain TA98 with and without S9 fraction. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the extracts was determined by gas chromatography. The genotoxic activities observed in the two test systems were comparable with the indirect mutagens producing greater response than the direct mutagens. The quantities of particulate matter as well as the genotoxic activities were higher on 02 August than on 27 July 1991 for both locations. The amounts of airborne particles and the resulting genotoxic activities were higher at Merced than at Pedregal. In both biological systems, PM10 were more genotoxic than TSP. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of the Drosophila wing SMART-which is an in vivo eukaryotic genotoxicity assay-as a biological monitor of environmental pollution related to airborne particles.     

Evaluation of an SOS-Chromotest-based approach for the isolation and detection of sediment-associated genotoxins

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate an approach advanced by the St. Lawrence Centre (SLC) of Environment Canada for assessing the genotoxic potential of sediments. The SLC method entails the extraction, isolation and solvent exchange of the organic constituents in sediment, and the testing of these solubilized extracts with the SOS Chromotest (Escherichia coli PQ37). A total of five sediments, three variously contaminated by organic compounds and two reference materials certified for persistent organic chemicals, were Soxhlet-extracted. Each of the five extracts was then split, with a portion remaining in crude form and another portion fractionated into two molecular-weight classes of organic contaminants, thus yielding a total of 15 extract samples. The ability of the SOS Chromotest to detect genotoxins in the various organic extracts was evaluated and compared with that of the Ames Fluctuation Assay (Salmonella typhimurium, strain TA100). The intra-laboratory variance associated with the SOS Chromotest was also assessed. Procedural details are presented and results are discussed. The SOS Chromotest results were in good agreement with those of the Ames Fluctuation Assay, especially after metabolic activation. However, the E. coli PQ37 system was slightly more sensitive than the Salmonella assay for detecting genotoxins in the sediment extracts. The SOS Chromotest was also the most discriminating of the two assays, generating SOS-induction factors that were consistent with the organic contamination gradient reported in the sediment samples. The removal of macromolecules from the dichloromethane extracts by size-exclusion chromatography prior to testing enhanced the sensitivity of both test systems. The intra-laboratory variance of the SOS Chromotest ranged from 0.24% to 23.82%, depending on the extract sample. As applied in this study, the SOS Chromotest can serve as a sensitive test for screening the genotoxic potential of uncharacterized sediment extracts. A more sensitive assay would be appropriate, however, as a confirmation for definitive investigations, especially for the detection of direct-acting genotoxins.     

贵阳市污染源PM2.5中铂族元素的分布特征

为掌握贵阳市污染源PM2.5中铂族元素(PGE)的分布特征,采集7类主要污染源42个PM2.5样品,采用同位素稀释/电感耦合等离子体质谱法定量测定PGE中铂(Pt)、钯(Pd)、铑(Rh)的含量.结果表明:(1)金属冶炼尘PM2.5中Pt、Pd、Rh平均值分别为2186.136、1239.827、346.172 ng/...     

Genotoxicity of organic extracts of urban airborne particulate matter: an assessment within a personal exposure study

Airborne particulate matter, PM(10) and PM(2.5), are associated with a range of health effects including lung cancer. Their complex organic fraction contains genotoxic and carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. This study evaluates the genotoxicity of the PM(10) and PM(2.5) organic extracts that were sampled in the framework of a personal exposure study in three French metropolitan areas (Paris, Rouen and Strasbourg), using the comet assay, performed on HeLa S3 cells. In each city, 60-90 non-smoking volunteers composed of two groups of equal size (adults and children) carried the personal Harvard Chempass multi-pollutant sampler during 48h along two different seasons ('hot' and 'cold'). Volunteers were selected so as to live (home and work/school) in 3 different urban sectors contrasted in terms of air pollution within each city (one highly exposed to traffic emissions, one influenced by local industrial sources, and a background urban environment). Genotoxic effects are stronger for PM(2.5) extracts than for PM(10), and greater in winter than in summer. Fine particles collected by subjects living within the traffic proximity sector present the strongest genotoxic responses, especially in the Paris metropolitan area. This work confirms the genotoxic potency of particulate matter (PM(10) and PM(2.5)) organic extracts to which urban populations are exposed.     

Application of semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) to assess air genotoxicity in an occupational environment

Semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) is a passive sampler that sequesters lipophilic contaminants, mimicking the bioconcentration in the fatty tissue of organisms. This study was designed to assess the use of SPMD and biological tests (Comet assay and Ames test) for air monitoring. For this purpose an occupational environment with expected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination (coke plant) was selected for a case study. The SPMDs were deployed in five occupational contaminated sites and in a control site. The SPMD dialysates were chemically analysed and examined for in vitro DNA-damaging activity in human cells (Jurkat) by Comet assay and for mutagenicity with the Ames test (TA98 strain, w/o S9). Total suspended particulates were also collected and analysed (GC–MS). No biological effect of SPMD extract was revealed in the control site. On the other hand, air samples collected with SPMDs within the coke plant showed variable degrees of genotoxic and mutagenic activity. The highest effects were associated with the highest PAH level recovered in the SPMDs extracts and in particulate samples.Results obtained support the sensitivity of biological tests associated to SPMD sampling for evaluating the health risk of potentially contaminated work environments highlighting the usefulness of SPMDs for environmental air quality monitoring.     

Mutagenicity of Airborne Particulates Assessed by Salmonella Assay and the SOS Chromotest in Wrocław,Poland

Abstract

Ambient air particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5) samples were collected during summer and autumn using a Staplex high-volume air sampler. They were later extracted with dichloromethane in a Soxhlet apparatus. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in extracts was determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography technique using fluorescence detection, whereas the nitro-PAH content was determined by gas chromatography using mass detection. Four Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, YG1041, and YG1042) were used in assays conducted with and without metabolic activation. The extracts were also tested with the SOS chromotest supplied by Environmental Biodetection Products Incorporated. The obtained results confirmed the Salmonella assay and the SOS chromotest usability for the purpose of atmospheric pollution monitoring within an urban agglomeration. The atmospheric pollution extracts under examination differed among each other regarding total content and percentage of individual compounds, depending on the season of sampling. The highest total PAH content and the highest nitro-PAH content in the tested samples as well as the most extensive range of detected compounds were found in the autumn season (heating season). The highest mutagenicity was noted for PM_2.5 samples collected in autumn. The high values of mutagenicity ratios and induction factors were obtained from assays carried out with and without metabolic activation, which is an argument for the presence of promutagens and direct mutagens. The YG1041 strain proved to be the most effective in detection of mutagenicity of the suspended dust extracts because of its notably high sensitivity to nitro-aromatic compounds. The SOS chromotest was very sensitive to a large spectrum of genotoxic air pollutants and showed a high degree of similarity with the results of the Salmonella assay. In comparison with the frequently used Ames test, the SOS chromotest enables quick analysis of the genotoxic effects of samples using only one tester strain. In addition, its miniaturized design decreases the consumption of tested samples.     

Genotoxic and teratogenic potential of marine sediment extracts investigated with comet assay and zebrafish test

Organic extracts of marine sediments from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea were investigated with two toxicity assays. The comet assay based on the fish cell line Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) was applied to determine the genotoxic potential; zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) were used to quantify the teratogenic potential of the samples. EC(50) values were calculated from dose-response curves for both test systems. Highest teratogenic and genotoxic effects normalised to total organic carbon (TOC) content were detected in sediment samples of different origins. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are not likely to be the causes of the observed effects, as demonstrated by a two-step fractionation procedure of selected extracts. The toxic potential was more pronounced in fractions having polarity higher than those possessed by PAHs and PCBs. The suitability of the two in vitro test systems for assessing genotoxic and teratogenic effects of marine sediment extracts could be demonstrated.     

Genotoxicity of sediment extracts of the Berre lagoon (France)

To evaluate the genotoxic risk that contaminated sediment could constitute for benthic organisms, three contaminated (VA, VC and VN) and one uncontaminated (RN) sediment samples were collected in the Berre lagoon (France). Potentially bioavailable contaminants in sediments were obtained using sediment extraction with synthetic seawater adjusted to pH 4 or pH 6, simulating the range of pH prevailing in the digestive tract of benthic organisms. The genotoxic activities of these extracts were evaluated by three short-term bioassays: the Salmonella mutagenicity test using the Salmonella typhimurium strain TA102, the alkaline comet assay and the micronucleus assay on the Chinese Hamster Ovary cells CHO-K1. Results of the Salmonella mutagenicity assay detected a mutagenic response for RN extract at pH 6, and for VA extract at pH 4. Results of the comet and micronucleus assays detected low genotoxic/clastogenic activities for VA and VC extracts at pH 6 and higher activities for RN, VA and VC extracts at pH 4. To identify if metals (Al, Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) were involved in these genotoxic activities, their concentrations were determined in the extracts, and their speciation was assessed by thermodynamic calculations. Results showed that extracts from sites VA, VC and VN generally presented the highest trace metal contents for both extractants, while the site RN presented lower trace metal contents but the highest Fe and Mn contents. Thermodynamic calculations indicated that Fe, Mn, As and in a lower extend Co, Ni and Zn were mainly present under free forms in extracts, and were consequently, more likely able to induce a genotoxic effect. Results globally showed no correspondence between free metal contents and genotoxic activities. They suggested that these positive results could be due to uncharacterized compounds, acting as direct genotoxic agents or enhancing the genotoxic properties of analyzed metals.     

Mutagenicity of particulate matter fractions in areas under the impact of urban and industrial activities

Organisms in the environment are exposed to a mixture of pollutants. Therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the mutagenicity of organic and inorganic responses in two fractions of particulates (TSP and PM2.5) and extracts (organic and aqueous). The mutagenicity of organic and aqueous particulate matter extracts from urban-industrial and urban-residential areas was evaluated by Salmonella/microsome assay, through the microsuspension method, using strain TA98 with and without liver metabolization. Additionally, strains YG1021 and YG1024 (nitro-sensitive) were used for organic extracts. Aqueous extracts presented negative responses for mutagenesis and cytotoxicity was detected in 50% of the samples. In these extracts the presence of potential bioavailable metals was identified. All organic extracts presented mutagens with a higher potential associated with PM2.5. This study presents a first characterization of PM2.5 in Brazil, through the Salmonella/microsome assay. The evaluation strategy detected the anthropic influence of groups of compounds characteristically found in urban and industrial areas, even in samples with PM values in accordance with quality standards. Thus, the use of a genotoxic approach in areas under different anthropic influences will favor the adoption of preventive measures in the health/environment relation.     

Detection of hospital wastewater genotoxicity with the SOS chromotest and Ames fluctuation test

The genotoxic potential of Rouen University Hospital wastewater was evaluated by the SOS chromotest (on Escherichia coli PQ37) and Ames fluctuation test on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98 and TA 100 without metabolic activation. The samples were taken during the hospital maximal activity period (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) over three one-week periods of the year. The simultaneous use of SOS chromotest and Ames fluctuation test allows us to carry out a preliminary screening of the hospital wastewater and to gain some insight by which mechanism the genotoxic compounds act. Out of a total of 18 daytime unconcentrated samples tested, 10 (55%) are positive in at least one assay. The two tests have different sensitivity. Indeed, nine genotoxic samples (50%) are detected by the Ames test, and four (22%) by the SOS chromotest. Distribution and intensity of the genotoxic response are different at the three periods. In order to explain this phenomenon, the influence of the rain levels is discussed. This work showed that the hospital wastewater samples tested were overall genotoxic, the response intensity being inflected by the pluviometry. Efforts are now under way to try to identify one or several genotoxic compounds in order to take precautionary measures to limit their release in hospital wastewaters.     

Physicochemical characteristics,mutagenicity and genotoxicity of airborne particles under industrial and rural influences in Northern Lebanon

In this work, the main objectives were to assess the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of fine particulate matter collected in an industrial influenced site in comparison with a non-industrial influenced one (rural site) and to relate the particulate matter (PM) composition to the observed genotoxic effects. At the industrial influenced site, higher concentrations of phosphates, trace metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particles could be related to the contributions of quarries, fertilizer producer, cement plants, and tires burning. Gasoline and diesel combustion contributions were evidenced in particles collected at both sites. Particles collected under industrial influence showed a higher mutagenic potential on three tested strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, YG1041, and TA102), and especially on the YG1041, compared to particles from the rural site. Furthermore, only particles collected in the vicinity of the industrial site showed a tendency to activate the SOS responses in Escherichia coli PQ37, which is indicative of DNA damage as a result of exposure of the bacteria cells to the action of mutagenic samples. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of the industrial PM_2.5–0.3 particulates may be attributed to its composition especially in organic compounds. This study showed that proximity of industries can affect local PM composition as well as PM genotoxic and mutagenic potential.     

某高密度街区大气颗粒物质量浓度分布特征实测研究

为研究城市高密度街区大气颗粒物浓度分布特征,2019年秋季对上海市某高密度街区道路大气颗粒物浓度、空气温度、相对湿度、地理位置、车辆与道路图像视频信息进行了同步移动在线监测,并结合街区内固定站数据和后向轨迹模拟结果,总结了影响街区大气颗粒物浓度变化的主要因素。结果表明:城市大气颗粒物背景拟合值处于较低水平时,街区内的大气颗粒物浓度变化和影响因素易被识别;机动车污染源对大气颗粒物浓度贡献大,其中大型机动车的影响明显;户外施工和道路清扫会引起大气颗粒物浓度上升,其中PM₁₀上升更明显;交通密度大的十字路口大气颗粒物浓度通常较高;城市高架的盖状结构会阻碍大气颗粒物在垂直方向上的扩散,引起局部大气颗粒物浓度上升;街区内高大浓密的乔木对近地面的大气颗粒物屏蔽效果不理想,甚至有助于颗粒物累积;早晚高峰时段大气颗粒物浓度较非高峰时段高。     

Polycyclic organic material (POM) in urban air. Fractionation,chemical analysis and genotoxicity of particulate and vapour phases in an industrial town in Finland

Polycyclic organic material (POM) was collected by high-volume sampling on filter and on XAD-2 resin from the air of a small industrial town in Finland. Concurrent chemical analysis and the assays for genotoxic activity were performed on the particulate and the vapour phases of ambient air POM and their chemical fractions. Furthermore, correlations between seasonal meteorological parameters and POM concentrations were studied to reveal characteristic POM profiles for various emission sources. The range of total POM concentrations varied from 115 to 380 ng m⁻³ in late spring and from 17 to 83 ng m⁻³ in early winter. No direct correlation of ambient POM was seen with the temperature, but rather with the wind direction from various emission sources. Especially the low molecular weight compounds were associated with wind direction from industrial sources. Genotoxic activity, as detected by the Ames Salmonella/microsome test and the SCE assay in CHO cells, was found not only in the paniculate phase samples but also in the vapour phase. The polar fractions of some of the samples showed genotoxic activity, and also direct mutagenicity was observed with both the assay systems; these facts support the significance of compounds other than conventional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the samples.     

某高密度街区大气颗粒物质量浓度分布特征实测研究

为研究城市高密度街区大气颗粒物浓度分布特征,2019年秋季对上海市某高密度街区道路大气颗粒物浓度、空气温度、相对湿度、地理位置、车辆与道路图像视频信息进行了同步移动在线监测,并结合街区内固定站数据和后向轨迹模拟结果,总结了影响街区大气颗粒物浓度变化的主要因素。结果表明:城市大气颗粒物背景拟合值处于较低水平时,街区内的大气颗粒物浓度变化和影响因素易被识别;机动车污染源对大气颗粒物浓度贡献大,其中大型机动车的影响明显;户外施工和道路清扫会引起大气颗粒物浓度上升,其中PM₁₀上升更明显;交通密度大的十字路口大气颗粒物浓度通常较高;城市高架的盖状结构会阻碍大气颗粒物在垂直方向上的扩散,引起局部大气颗粒物浓度上升;街区内高大浓密的乔木对近地面的大气颗粒物屏蔽效果不理想,甚至有助于颗粒物累积;早晚高峰时段大气颗粒物浓度较非高峰时段高。     

Investigating the sources of the mutagenic activity found in a river using the Salmonella assay and different water extraction procedures

In the routine São Paulo state (Brazil) surface water quality-monitoring program, which includes the Salmonella microsome mutagenicity assay as one of its parameters, a river where water is taken and treated for drinking water purposes has repeatedly shown mutagenic activity. A textile dyeing facility employing azo-type dyes was the only identifiable source of mutagenic compounds. We extracted the river and drinking water samples with XAD4 at neutral and acidic pH and with blue rayon, which selectively adsorbs polycyclic compounds. We tested the industrial effluent, raw, and treated water and sediment samples with YG1041 and YG1042 and compared the results with the TA98 and TA100 strains. The elevated mutagenicity detected with YG-strains suggested that nitroaromatics and/or aromatic amines were causing the mutagenicity detected in the samples analyzed. Positive responses for the blue rayon extracts indicated that mutagenic polycyclic compounds were present in the water samples analyzed. The mutagen or mixture of mutagens present in the effluent and water samples cause mainly frameshift mutations and are positive with and without metabolic activation. The Salmonella assay combined with different extraction procedures proved to be very useful in the identification of the origin of the pollution and in the identification of the classes of chemical compounds causing the mutagenic activity in the river analyzed.     

Combination of in vitro bioassays for the determination of cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of wastewater, surface water and drinking water samples

In this study we evaluated genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of native samples of wastewaters (15 samples), surface waters (28 samples) and potable waters (8 samples) with the SOS/umuC assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and MTT assay with human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The genotoxicity of selected samples was confirmed with the comet assay with HepG2 cells. In the SOS/umuC assay 13 out of the 51 samples were genotoxic: two effluent samples from chemical industry; one sample of wastewater treatment plant effluent; two hospital wastewater samples; three river water samples and four lake water samples. Six samples were cytotoxic for HepG2 cells: both effluent samples of chemical industry, two wastewater treatment plant effluent samples, and two river water samples, however, only the chemical industry effluent samples were genotoxic and cytotoxic, indicating that different contaminants are responsible for genotoxic and toxic effects. Comparing genotoxicity of river and lake water samples with the chemical analytical data of the presence of the residues of pharmaceutical and personal care products (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, UV filters and disinfectants) in these samples, indicated that the presence of UV filters might be linked to the genotoxicity of these samples. The results showed that the application of the bacterial SOS/umuC assay and mammalian cell assays (MTT and comet assay) with HepG2 cells was suitably sensitive combination of assays to monitor genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of native samples of wastewaters and surface waters. With this study we also confirmed that the toxicity/genotoxicity bioassays should be an integral tool in the evaluation of toxicity of complex wastewaters before the release into environment, as well as for the monitoring of surface water quality, providing data useful in risk assessment.     

Correlations between mutagenic activity of organic extracts of airborne particulate matter, NOx and sulphur dioxide in southern Germany: results of a two-year study

Goals, Scope and Background Among other substances, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are parameters which are routinely measured to describe basic air quality. Organic extracts of airborne particulate matter contain mutagenic chemical compounds of different origins. The aim of the study was to find correlations between routine monitoring data and mutagenic activity of organic extracts of simultaneously drawn samples.Methods Specimens were collected over a period of two years at 8 sampling sites in south-west Germany. Simultaneously, concentrations of NO, NO2, and SO2 were measured on-line within the framework of the official air monitoring network of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Dust samples were collected for biotesting using high volume air samplers equipped with glass fibre filters. After sampling was completed, filters were extracted and samples were prepared for biological testing. Mutagenic activity was tested by means of the plate incorporation assay (Ames test) using S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 tester strains. During the first year of the study, all tests have been performed with and without metabolic activation. Additionally, a series of tests has been performed in parallel with TA98 and TA98NR.Results and Discussion Comparison of Ames test data obtained with and without metabolic activation indicates no statistically significant difference between both methods. Therefore, during the second year of the study, all tests have been performed without metabolic activation. Average yearly activities at the sampling sites were between 1 und 27 Revertants per m³ (Rev/m³). High activities were preferably found at congested sites (Karlsruhe, up to 95 Rev/m³). However, peak values of over 100 Rev/m³ were found in other places where pollution by traffic is significantly lower. The reason for these high level values is not evident. Tests performed using TA98NR tester strain indicate a significant share (average 31%) of compounds requiring activation by nitroreductase for mutagenic activity. Average mutagenic activity can be correlated to routine monitoring parameters. Comparison of averaged data for particular sampling sites indicates significant correlation between nitric oxide and mutagenic activity in TA98 (r²=0.90), while correlation between nitrogen dioxide (0.84) or sulphur dioxide (0.52) and mutagenic activity is weaker. For TA100, correlations are generally weaker than for TA98. Comparison of data for mutagenic activity and routine monitoring data of distant sites being sampled simultaneously shows parallel behaviour.Conclusions Results from this study show that mutagenic activity can be compared to seasonal and local variations of gaseous indicator air pollutants. Tester strain TA98 generally shows the best correlations. Although pollution by particle-bound mutagenic substances is significantly higher during the cold season than during summer on average, mutagenic activity of airborne dust is not a continuous effect. During winter, peak levels as well as low pollution periods can occur. Even during winter time mutagenic activity can reach very low levels typical for summertime. Comparison of results for distant sampling sites where samples have been collected simultaneously indicate that “classical” indicators of air pollution and bacterial mutagenicity of organic extracts from airborne particulate matter are influenced by connected effects. Seasonal trend of mutagenic activity, in particular, is similar to the concentrations of nitrogen oxide. NO is a strong indicator for vehicle exhaust gases. It is concluded that the average mutagenic activity at particular sites can be estimated using NO concentrations as an indicator.