MUTAGENICITY OF MILD GASIFICATION PRODUCTS IN SALMONELLA-TYPHIMURIUM

Mild gasification is a coal-conversion technology that is currently un der development in order to help meet future energy needs. 7 products from this process were assayed for mutagenic activity in the pre-incub ation variant of the Salmonella assay (Ames test) using both DMSO and Tween 80 as sample solvents. Significant mutagenic activity was detect ed only in the wide-boiling-point composite materials, and the amount of this activity was found to be dependent on the solvent utilized. Th e highest number of revertants detected were on TA98 and its O-acetylt ransferase over-producing derivative, YG1024, in the presence of the S 9 microsomal fraction. Aromatic amines were suggested as a possible so urce of the mutagenic activity elicited. An examination of the liquid and tar phases of one composite material (MG-120) indicated that the m utagenic activity was restricted to the tar phase.