ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that the SOS Chromotest, particularly the semiautomated, microplate version described by White et al., can examines the samples required to permit general statements about the sources and ecological behavior of genotoxic, organic contaminants in aquatic systems. The aforementioned ability to culture bacteria in small containers has led to the development of microscale versions of some short-term bacterial assays for genotoxicity and mutagenicity. The effective use of any bacterial genotoxicity assay, including the SOS Chromotest, for the examination of complex environmental samples requires that several technical challenges be overcome. As part of the St. Lawrence Action Plan, the SOS Chromotest was employed to investigate the sources and fate of genotoxic contaminants in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers. Sources examined include a wide range of industrial and municipal facilities that discharge aqueous wastes into the St. Lawrence system. Ecotoxicology is the study of the fate and effects of contaminants on ecosystems.
