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(T/EH084) Mutagenicity and disinfection by-products in surface drinking water disinfected with peracetic acid. Monarca, S.1, Feretti, D.1, Zani, C.1, Zerbini, I.1, Richardson, S.2, Thruston, A.2, Ragazzo, P.3, Guzzella, L.4, 1 2 3 4 ABSTRACT- Experimental studies have revealed the presence of mutagenic/carcinogenic chlorination by-products in drinking water, and epidemiological studies have shown some cancer hazards for people who consume chlorinated drinking water. Alternative disinfectants to chlorine are under study in an attempt to reduce these potential health risks. The aim of this research was to study the influence of a new disinfectant, peracetic acid (PAA), on the formation of mutagenic compounds in lake and river waters used for human consumption. Results obtained for PAA were compared to more commonly used disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2). A combined approach using the Ames test and two genotoxicity plant tests (Allium test and Tradescantia/micronuclei test) was used to evaluate the mutagenic activity of disinfected water samples. Microbiological tests were also performed, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The mutagenicity of PAA-treated water was found to be similar or lower than that treated with ClO2 or NaClO. Plant tests gave negative results for genotoxicity, and microbiological analysis showed good bactericidal and algicidal activity of PAA. DBPs identified for PAA-treated water included carboxylic acids and a few non-halogenated alcohols and carbonyl-containing compounds; no halomethanes or haloacetic acids were observed. These results were obtained to assess the potential application of PAA for the disinfection of drinking water. Key words: Peracetic acid, Disinfection by-products, Mutagenicity |
