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Hazard characterization and identification of a former ammunition site using microarrays, bioassays, and chemical analysis
Author(s) -
Eisentraeger Adolf,
Reifferscheid Georg,
Dardenne Freddy,
Blust Ronny,
Schofer Andrea
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1897/06-285r.1
Subject(s) - bioassay , genotoxicity , environmental chemistry , ames test , ammunition , environmental science , groundwater , ecotoxicology , explosive material , hazard analysis , pollutant , toxicology , chemistry , biology , toxicity , salmonella , bacteria , materials science , engineering , genetics , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , metallurgy , aerospace engineering
More than 100,000 tons of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene were produced at the former ammunition site Werk Tanne in Clausthal‐Zellerfeld, Germany. The production of explosives and consequent detonation in approximately 1944 by the Allies caused great pollution in this area. Four soil samples and three water samples were taken from this site and characterized by applying chemical‐analytical methods and several bioassays. Ecotoxicological test systems, such as the algal growth inhibition assay with Desmodesmus subspicatus , and genotoxicity tests, such as the umu and NM2009 tests, were performed. Also applied were the Ames test, according to International Organization for Standardization 16240, and an Ames fluctuation test. The toxic mode of action was examined using bacterial gene profiling assays with a battery of Escherichia coli strains and with the human liver cell line hepG2 using the PIQOR™ Toxicology cDNA microarray. Additionally, the molecular mechanism of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene in hepG2 cells was analyzed. The present assessment indicates a danger of pollutant leaching for the soil‐groundwater path. A possible impact for human health is discussed, because the groundwater in this area serves as drinking water.