Effects of nonvolatile organic compounds from tap water on DNA damage

  Objective   To study the effects of the nonvolatile organic compounds in tapwatr derived from Donghu Lake in Wuhan on DNA damage.

  Methods   The nonvolatile organic compounds(NOCs)in water were abstracted with XAD-2 resin and the DNA damage of such NOCs in Hela cells were detected by using Signle Cell Gel Electrophoresis assay(SCGE).

  Results   (1) Different orgainc extracts(50, 100, 200, 400 ml/25 ml)from all samples of tap water could cause DNA strand breaks in Hela cells at certain range of concentrations, and there was positive dose-effect relationship(P < 0.05);(2)A consistent potency for all the various hydrographic period, with decreasing activity in the order: average > low > high flow period.

  Conclusion   The application of this assay would contribute to explain the mutagenic mechanism of the organic pollutants from tap water on the human body.