Takashi Someya

Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University
(Honjomachi Saga, 840 Japan)

Abstract

As approximately 80% of mutagens are carcinogens, mutagenicity assays are widely employed as a predictive screening for carcinogenicity in samples from the environment. For detecting and evaluating unknown pollutants in landfill leachate, the Ames mutagenicity test using Salmonella strains has been applied in an effort to control soil and groundwater pollution at municipal landfill sites. Mutagenicity was occasionally found among leachate samples during operation. It was noteworthy that the frequency and strength of mutagenicity often increased after clarification treatment of leachate. Detailed examinations revealed that the increase in mutagenicity in leachate at treatment facilities was probably due to the bacterial production of mutagens during aerobic treatments of leachate at treatment facilities. A strategy for controlling mutagens in landfill sites was discussed.

Key words: landfill, leachate, municipal solid waste, mutagenicity, water treatment