Mutagenicity Induced by Coal, Fly and Bottom Ash Using Allium Cepa and Salmonella/microsome Tests

Abstract

Abstract Coal and its by-products are complex mixtures which can have an impact on the environment and human health. Complex mixtures of coal and its by-products have an impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic effect of coal, fly ash and bottom ash using the Allium cepaand Salmonella/microsome test, and to correlate the results with the organic and inorganic components detected in the samples. This study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic effect of coal, fly ash and bottom ash using Allium cepa and the Salmonella/microsome test, and to correlate the results with organic and inorganic components detected in the samples. The samples were obtained in the Presidente Medici power plant at Candiota (Brazil). The samples did not show cytotoxicity in the A. cepatest or a mutagenic effect in the Salmonella/microsome test. Nevertheless, we observed an increase in micronucleus frequency for coal and bottom ash exposure. Different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and inorganic elements were detected and related to the mutagenicity results. The study demonstrates the need for preventive measures to protect coal and ash handling to avoid possible damage to health.