Mutagenic properties of inland waters and sediments in northern Poland

Mutagenic properties of inland waters in northern Poland were evaluated using the Ames test. The tested surface waters were characterised by low mutagenic impact, while the majority of bottom sediment samples turned out to be highly mutagenic. The mutagenic rates (MR) of sediments ranged from 2 to 169 and depended on pollution of aquatic environment by organic substances and bacteria Escherichia coli. The most polluted sites of the studied rivers and lakes were indicated (MR=158, 169). This information should be useful for local governments as well as habitants.