Bioassay-Directed Chemical Analysis of Los Angeles Airborne Particulate Matter Using a Human Cell Mutagenicity Assay

Abstract

The human cell mutagenicity of Los Angeles airborne fine particulate matter is examined via bioassay-directed chemical analysis. A 1993 composite fine particle sample is separated via liquid chromatography into fractions containing organic compounds of varying polarity. Samples are analyzed by the h1A1v2 human cell mutagenicity assay to identify those fractions that contain human cell mutagens and by GC/MS to identify the chemical character of those mutagens. Those subfractions that contain unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) are responsible for a considerable portion of the mutagenic potency of the whole atmospheric sample. Six unsubstituted PAC (cyclopenta[cd]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and benzo[k]fluoranthene) account for most of the mutagenic potency that can be assigned to specific compounds within the atmospheric samples. Important semipolar mutagens that are quantified include 2-nitrofluoranthene and 6Hbenzo[cd]pyren-6-one. A large number of other aromatic organics are identified as candidates for future testing as pure compounds in the human cell assay, at which time it should be possible to account for more of the mutagenic potency of the atmospheric samples.

Di-epoxides of the three isomeric dicyclopenta-fused pyrenes: ultimate mutagenic active agents

“…1), which has been put forward as the main contributor to the total bacterial mutagenic response found for the non-polar fraction of combustion exhausts [15]. In addition, 1 has also been proposed as the primary contributor to the total mutagenicity in airborne particulate matter [16]. Nevertheless, the available amount of 1 does not account for the total mutagenic activity found.…”

Comparative mutagenicity assessment of aerosols in emissions from biofuel combustion

“…PAHs as well as numerous PAH derivatives, i.e., alkylated PAHs, nitro-PAHs, oxygenated PAHs, quinones, hydroxy and hydroxynitro compounds, are produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as coal, gasoline, diesel and biofuels (Beak et al, 1991;Matsumoto et al, 1998). The mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of PAHs associated with combustion and ambient aerosols have been conclusively demonstrated through bacterial assays, human cell mutagenicity assays, animal assays and epidemiological studies (Hannigan et al, 1998;Helmig et al, 1992;Kamens et al, 1984;Kleindienst et al, 1986;Mastrangelo et al, 1996;McCrillis et al, 1992;Moller and Alfheim, 1980). The Ames assay test, a plate incorporation test based on genetically engineered microorganisms offers a relatively quick method for mutagenicity assessment and has been widely used as a screening tool for determining health risks associated with emissions, effluents and specific chemicals (Madill et al, 1999;Maron and Ames, 1983).…”

“…However, the toxicological implications of high direct-acting mutagenicity based on bacterial assay is as yet unclear. Many of the direct acting mutagens such as nitro-PAHs are seen to contribute far less to mutagenicity in mammalian cell mutagenicity assays (Hannigan et al, 1998).…”

Drogas de abuso em águas naturais e residuárias urbanas: ocorrência, determinação e aplicações forenses

“…A presença de drogas de abuso no ambiente tem sido confirmada desde o final do século XX, quando Hannigan e colaboradores 26 verificaram a existência de COC em níveis mensuráveis no ar de Los Angeles (EUA). Porém, somente no início deste século, estudos sobre a ocorrência destas drogas no ambiente, principalmente em águas naturais e residuárias urbanas, tornaram-se frequentes.…”