Screening of genotoxicity and mutagenicity in extractable organics from oil sands process-affected water

Both natural and anthropogenic factors control surface water and groundwater chemistry and quality in the Ningtiaota coalfield of Ordos Basin, Northwestern China

An understanding of the vertical variations in hydrogeochemical processes in various aquifers and quality suitability assessment is crucial for the utilization of groundwater in the Ningtiaota coalfield of Ordos Basin, Northwestern China. Based on 39 water samples collected from surface water (SW), Quaternary pore water (QW), weathered fissure water (WW), and mine water (MW), we conducted self-organizing maps (SOM) algorithm, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA), and classical graphical methods to elucidate the mechanisms controlling the vertical spatial variations in SW and groundwater chemistry and conducted a health risk assessment. The findings indicated that the hydrogeochemical type showed a transition from the HCO₃^--Na⁺ type in SW to the HCO₃^--Ca²⁺ type in QW, then to the SO₄^2--Mg²⁺ type in WW, and back to HCO₃^--Na⁺ type in MW. Water-rock interaction, silicate dissolution, and cation exchange were the main hydrogeochemical processes in the study area. Additionally, groundwater residence time and mining operations were critical external factors that affect water chemistry. Contrary to phreatic aquifers, confined aquifers featured greater circulation depth, water-rock interactions, and external interventions leading to worse quality and higher health risks. Water quality surrounding the coalfield was poor, causing it to be undrinkable, with excessive SO₄^2-, arsenic (As), and F^-, etc. Approximately 61.54% of SW, all of QW, 75% of WW, and 35.71% of MW can be used for irrigation.

Assessment of the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of the Jialu River and adjacent groundwater using human-hamster hybrid cells

The Jialu River in China has been seriously polluted by the direct discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater. The predominant contaminants of the Jialu River and its adjacent groundwater were recently investigated. However, the potential genotoxic impact of polluted water on human health remains to be clarified. Here, we used human-hamster hybrid (A_L) cells, which are sensitive for detecting environmental mutagens. We found that the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the groundwater in the Jialu River basin were influenced by the infiltration of the Jialu River. Hydrological periods significantly affected the cytotoxicity, but not the mutagenic potential, of surface and groundwater. Further, the mutagenic potential of groundwater samples located <1km from the Jialu River (S_M-2 water samples) was detected earlier than that of groundwater samples located approximately 20km from the Jialu River (S_N water samples). Because of high cytotoxicity, the mutagenic potential of water samples from the Jialu River (S_M-1 water samples) was not significantly enhanced compared with that of untreated controls. To further assess the mutagenic dispersion potential, an artificial neural network model was adopted. The results showed that the highest mutagenic potential of groundwater was observed approximately 10km from the Jialu River. Although further investigation of mutagenic spatial dispersion is required, our data are significant for advancing our understanding of the origin, dispersion, and biological effects of water samples from polluted areas.

Elucidating mechanisms of toxic action of dissolved organic chemicals in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW)

Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is generated during extraction of bitumen in the surface-mining oil sands industry in Alberta, Canada, and is acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic organisms. It is known that dissolved organic compounds in OSPW are responsible for most toxic effects, but knowledge of the specific mechanism(s) of toxicity, is limited. Using bioassay-based effects-directed analysis, the dissolved organic fraction of OSPW has previously been fractionated, ultimately producing refined samples of dissolved organic chemicals in OSPW, each with distinct chemical profiles. Using the Escherichia coli K-12 strain MG1655 gene reporter live cell array, the present study investigated relationships between toxic potencies of each fraction, expression of genes and characterization of chemicals in each of five acutely toxic and one non-toxic extract of OSPW derived by use of effects-directed analysis. Effects on expressions of genes related to response to oxidative stress, protein stress and DNA damage were indicative of exposure to acutely toxic extracts of OSPW. Additionally, six genes were uniquely responsive to acutely toxic extracts of OSPW. Evidence presented supports a role for sulphur- and nitrogen-containing chemical classes in the toxicity of extracts of OSPW.