DETECTION OF GENOTOXIC ACTIVITY IN NATIVE HOSPITAL WASTE-WATER BY THEUMUC TEST

The genotoxic potential of the waste water of a hospital was evaluated by the umuC test. Within 2 years over 800 native waste water samples were analysed. Genotoxic activity was found in 13% of the samples. The highest genotoxic activity occurred in the morning hours, but genotox ic samples were detected also during the day and at night. 96% of the genotoxic waste water samples revealed a genotoxic potential without g rowth inhibition of test bacteria monitored as OD600, in the same way as antineoplastic drugs like mitomycin C or cisplatin. 4% of the genot oxic waste water samples showed combined cytotoxic and genotoxic activ ities as seen in control experiments using glutaraldehyde containing d isinfectants and certain antibiotics.