Evaluation of genotoxic potential of Meriç Delta by using Umu tests system

Abstract

SOS inducing activity in samples obtained from the Meriç delta was evaluated with the umu test system using Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/ pSK1002, S. typhimurium NM1011 (overexpressed nitroreductase) and S. typhimurium NM2009 (overexpressed O-acetyltransferase) strains. The Meriç delta is highly polluted especially in the spring and summer at Ergene origin in Turkey and at Enez at the downstream locations. However, results also confirm that the pollutants are not derived from nitroarenes but from other organic compounds. In view of these results, a high increase in pollution in the spring and the summer in the Meriç delta is caused by the active industrial and agricultural wastes from Turkey and Bulgaria which should be seriously considered.