Environmental genotoxicity monitoring using Salmonella typhimurium strains as indicator system.

Screening for mutagens in environmental complex mixtures is gradually accepted as a routine methodology in the monitoring processes. Examination of 70 drinking water samples showed that the variations in the degree of mutagenicity was dependent on the location of the water source and the type of drinking water tested. Analogous screening for mutagens in river and waste waters may help better assess the potential genotoxic hazard from various types of industrial technology. The recommended methods are routinely used for monitoring the mutagenicity and for checking the effectiveness of preventive measures.