Genotoxicity evaluation and a primary risk assessment of organic pollutants in the drinking water sources of Nanjing, China

An increasing number of industrial, agricultural, and commercial chemicals in the aquatic environment leads to various deleterious effects on organisms, which is becoming an increasingly serious problem in China. In this study, the comet assay was conducted to investigate the genotoxicity to human body caused by organic concentrates in the drinking water sources of Nanjing City from Yangtze River of China, and health and ecology risk due to expose to these organic pollutants were evaluated with the multimedia environmental assessment system （MEAS）. For all the water samples, they were collected from four different locations in the drinking water sourcr samples, es of Nanjing City. The results of the comet assay showed that all the organic concentrates from the water samples could induce different levels DNA damages on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and a statistically significant difference （p〈0.01） was observed compared with the solvent control, which demonstrated the genotoxicity was in existence. According to the ambient severity （AS） of individual compound, we had sorted out the main organic pollutants in the drinking water source of the four waterworks, and the results showed that there was some potential hazard to human body for all the source water, namely the total ambient severity （TAS） of health for each water source was more than 1. However, the TAS of ecology for each water source was less than 1, which indicated that it was safe to ecology. The results of this investigation demonstrate the application of the comet assay and the MEAS in aquatic environmental monitoring studies, and the comet assay found to be fast, sensitive, and suitable for genotoxicity monitoring programs of drinking water source.

Formation potentials of typical disinfection byproducts and changes of genotoxicity for chlorinated tertiary effluent pretreated by ozone

The effects of ozonation on the formation potential of typical disinfection byproducts （DBPs） and the changes of genotoxicity during post chlorination of tertiary effluent from a sewage treatment plant were investigated. Ozonation enhanced the yields of all detected chlorine DBPs except CHCI3. At a chlorine dose of 5 mg/L, the three brominated THMs and five HAAs increased, while chloroform decreased with the increase of ozone dose from 0 to 10 mg/L （ozone dose in consumption base）. At a chlorine dose of 10 mg/L, the two mixed bromochloro species THMs and two dominant HAAs （DCAA and TCAA） increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of ozone dose, with the turning point approximately occurring at an ozone dose of 5 mg/L. The genotoxicity detected using umu test, on the other hand, was removed from 7 Ixg 4-NQO/L to a negligible level by ozonation under an ozone dose of 5 mg/L. Chlorination could further remove the genotoxicity to some extent. It was found that SUVA （UV absorbance divided by DOC concentration） might be used as an indicative parameter for monitoring the removal of genotoxicity during the oxidation.

Studies of the Genotoxicity of Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)

The following experiments were conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effects of GMA (glycidyl methacrylale) on mammalian and human cells.(1) Using the absorption spectrum shift method in vitro, we observed that the maximums of calf thymus DNA and GMA were shifted toward longer wavelengths (a change of more than 15nm) and the absorbance decreased after incubation at room temperature for 15min or more.The result indicates that binding of DNA and GMA had occurred.The binding force is strong, not affected by the addition of concentrated sodium chloride solution, and only slightly decreased by the addition of 8 M urea solution.Therefore the bond between DNA and GMA might be covalent.(2) In cell cultures, unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in human and/or rat lymphocyte was induced and DNA semiconserva-tive replication was inhibited by GMA at concentrations of less than 5.2 mM.(3) Sperm abnormality tests and assays of UDS in germ cells of male mice were conducted to study the in vivo genotoxicity of GMA.The results revealed that GMA could damage DNA, increase sperm abnormality frequency, and reduce the number of sperm cells, 1990 Academic Press.Inc.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of Euphorbia hirta in MCF-7cell line model using comet assay

Objective:To evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity activity of Euphorbia hirta(E.hirta)in MCF-7 cell line model using comet assay.Methods:The cytotoxicity of E.hirta extract was investigated by employing brine shrimp lethality assay and the genotoxicity of E.hirta was assessed by using Comet assay.Results:Both toxicity tests exhibited significant toxicity result.In the comet assay,the E.hirta extract exhibited genotoxicity effects against MCF-7 DNA in a time-dependent manner by increasing mean percentage of DNA damage.The extract of E.hirta showed significant toxicity against brine shrimp with an LC_(50)value of 620.382μg/mL(24 h).Comparison with positive control potassium dichroniate signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by the methanol extract might have moderate activity.Conclusion:The present work confirmed the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of E.hirta.However,the observed toxicity of E.hta extracts needs to be confirmed in additional studies.

Genotoxicity evaluation of drinking water sources in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay

The potential harm of organic pollutants in drinking water to human health is widely focused on in the wodd; more and more pollutants with genotoxic substances are released into the aquatic environment. Water source samples were collected from 7 different localities of Nanjing City. The potential genotoxicity of organic extracts from drinking water sources were investigated by means of the comet assay in human peripheral lymphocytes. The results showed that all the organic extracts from all the water source samples could induce DNA damages of human peripheral blood lymphocytes at different levels. A significant difference （P 〈 0.01） was observed when compared with the solvent control, The DNA damage increased with the increase of the dosage of the original water source. Significant differences of DNA damage were observed in different drinking water sources, as shown by the multiple comparisons analysis at the dosage of 100x; the degree of DNA damage treated by Hushu waterworks （at town level） was the most serious, the arbitrary units （AU） was 141.62±6.96, however, that of Shangyuanmen waterworks （at city level） was only 109.64±2.97. The analysis also revealed that the genotoxicity of town＇s water sources was higher than that of the city. The results demonstrated that the comet assay can be successfully applied to the genotoxicity monitoring programs of drinking water sources.

CYTOTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY OF POLYETHYLENIMINE AND NICKEL CHLORIDE IN RED SEA BREAM (Pagrosomus major) FIN CELL LINE RSBF

A continuous marine fish cell line RSBF (i.e. Red Sea Bream Fin) was utilized to screen the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of polyethylenimine (PEI) and nickel chloride (NiCl 2) in this study on the deleterious effects of aquatic genotoxins on fish. At the 0.01 to 1 μg/ml concentration tested, PEI had acute toxicity to the treated RSBF cells (IC 50 =1.12, 0.92, 0.88 and 0.64 μg/ml PEI for time 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after treatment, respectively) and markedly inhibited their proliferation in a dose dependent manner. At the 0.001 to 5 μmol/L concentration tested, NiCl 2 posed no acute toxicity but significantly stimulated their growth (107%-214% of control). Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to detect the genotoxic effects of PEI and NiCl 2 by comparing the RAPD banding patterns of the control and treated cells. RAPD analysis indicated that at the concentrations tested, PEI was more genotoxic than NiCl 2 to RSBF cells; that there was a slight dose dependent response in the genotoxic effect of PEI but not NiCl 2; and that RAPD technique might provide a sensitive, non specific genotoxic endpoint. And the potent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of PEI on fish cells showed that we should be cautious in utilizing it as gene vector in fish gene transfer and human gene therapy.

The Study on Genotoxicity of PM_(2.5) Mineral Dusts to A_(549) Cells

By detecting the influence of six main ingredients of PM2.5 mineral dusts on the A549 cell morphology, proliferation inhibition rate, micronuclei and DNA damage, to explore the genotoxicity of PM2.5 mineral dusts. (1) After exposure to six kinds of dusts of 200 μg/mL concentration for 24 hours, the morphology of A549 cells were observed using Wright-Giemsa staining. (2) After exposure to different concentrations of mineral dusts for 24 hours, the proliferation inhibition rate of A549 cells was detected by MTT assay. (3) Cells were exposed to PM2.5 mineral dusts at a concentration of 200 μg/mL for 24 h. After Wright-Giemsa staining, the rates of micronucleus cells were counted under oil microscope. (4) Observe Comet phenomenon by SCGE electrophoresis, the degree of DNA damage was observed by OTM. (1) Compared to the control group, membrane destruction, nuclear pyknosis and mineral surface adhesion were mainly seen in the Sericite group and Albite group. In the Quartz group and Montmorillonite group, enlarged cell gaps, loosely arranged cells, absorption of a large number of minerals on the cell surface, and cell pyknosis were observed. (2) The proliferation inhibition rate of the six kinds of dusts to A549 cells were (from large to small): KWC-M>Nano-SiO2>KWC-S>KWC-Q>KWC-A>KWC-C.The dust concentration was positively related to the inhibition of cell proliferation rate. (3) With the dusts concentration increased, the incidence of micronuclei gradually increased. The rate was positively correlated to exposure concentration. (4) The six mineral dusts can damage DNA of the A549 cells by dose-response relationship.The higher concentration of the mineral dusts, the more obvious of the DNA damagenation. There’s statistically significant compared with the control group. The six main ingredients of the PM2.5 mineral dusts can change A549 cell morphology from varying degrees, improve proliferation inhibition rate of the cells, increase the number of micronuclei cells, damage DNA.Then we come to the conclusion that PM2.5 mineral dusts can change the genotoxicity of the cells.

Genotoxicity of Pesticide Waste Contaminated Soil and Its Leachate

Objective Improper land disposal of hazardous waste can result in leaching of hazardous constituents which may contaminate ground and surface water leading to adverse impact on human health and environment consequences. The present study utilized mammalian cell culture for the genotoxicity assessment of waste and its leachate. Methods Genotoxic potential and chemical analysis of pesticide derived tarry waste contaminated soil extract and its leachate was assessed using in vitro human lymphocyte cultures and GC-MS. Results The investigation revealed that the soil extract could cause significant to highly significant genotoxicity in the form of DNA strand break at 25 mL (P<0.01), 50 mL, 100 mL and 200 mL (P<0.001) and chromosomal aberration at 25 mL (P<0.01) and 50 mL and 100 mL (P<0.001). The leachate could cause significant DNA strand break and chromosomal aberration only at 100 mL and 200 mL (P<0.01) dose levels. Conclusion The genotoxicity observed is attributed to carbaril and tetra methyl naphthyl carbamate, the major ingredients of the extracts, as revealed by GC-MS.

Hexabromocyclododecane-induced Genotoxicity in Cultured Human Breast Cells through DNA Damage

To investigate the genotoxicity and reveal the potential toxicological mechanisms of Hexabromocyclododecane （HBCD）, human breast cells HBL-100 were exposed to a sequence of HBCD concentrations （0, 5, 10, and 50 mg/L） for 24 h. With a series of zymology and molecular biology methods, we found that HBCD induced dose-dependent oxidative stress on HBL-100 DNA. As revealed in q RT-PCR, activated prognostic factor ATM down-regulated tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 and prompted DNA repair genes h OGG1 and h MTH1 expression in lower concentrations of HBCD （〈 10 mg/L）. However, DNA repair were inhibited as well as cell proliferation rate by higher concentrations of HBCD （50 mg/L）. The results inferred that the genotoxicity of HBCD was dose-dependent and related to DNA repair pathway.

Evaluation of naproxen-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and in-vivo genotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Naproxen(NP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID), is used for the treatment of common pain, inflammation and tissue damage. Genotoxicity testing of NP is of prime importance as it represents the largest group of drugs to which humans are exposed. Not many genotoxic studies are reported on NP;therefore, the present study investigated the detailed genotoxic and oxidative stress properties of NP.Male Wistar rats were administered NP orally at the doses of 38.91 and 65.78 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Reduced glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) activities/levels were measured in the liver, kidney and brain tissues. The aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities, and total bilirubin(TBIL) levels were measured in the liver tissues. Micronucleus frequency(micronucleus test MNT)and DNA damage(comet assay) were performed in the bone marrow cells and leukocytes, respectively.The results showed that NP treatment decreased the GSH levels and increased the SOD, CAT, LPO, ALT,AST, ALP and TBIL activities/levels compared to the control(p o 0.05). Results of MNT showed an increased micronucleus induction and comet assay showed a significant increase in DNA damage in the NP treated animals(p o 0.05). Treatment of NP resulted in the biochemical imbalance and induced oxidative stress that deteriorated the integrity of the cells, which caused significant damage to the genetic material and affected liver function in male Wistar rats. Therefore, NP is a potential genotoxic agent that induces genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Effect of Buchanania lanzan Spreng.bark extract on cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Objective:To elucidate the effect of ethanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng.(B.lanan) bark against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.Methods: The prevalence of micronuclei in bone marrow,the extent of lipid peroxidation,reduced glutathione and the status of the antioxidant enzymes,superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver of mice were used as intermediate biomarkers for chemoprolection.Lipid peroxidation and associated compromised antioxidant defenses in cyclophosphamide treated mice were observed in the liver.Results:Pre-treatment with B.lanzan 250,500 and 1 000 mg/ kg,p.o.,daily for 7 days significantly reduced the chromosomal damage and lipid peroxidation with concomitant changes in antioxidants and detoxification systems.Conclusions:These results point out the presence of chemopreventive phytoconstituents in the crude extract offering protection against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Insecticide Carbaryl to Flounder Gill Cells and Its Teratogenicity to Zebrafish Embryos

In this study, we determined the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of carbamate insecticide carbaryl to flounder gill （FG） cells and its teratogenicity to zebrafish embryos. The cytotoxicity of carbaryl to FG cells was determined with methods including MTT and neutral red uptaking （NRU）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） releasing and Hoechst 33342 and propidiurn idodide （PI） double staining. Moderate cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner was observed. The 24h-IC50 value of 53.48 ± 1.21, 59.13 ± 1.19 and 46.21 ± 1.24 mgL 1 carbaryl was obtained through MTT, NRU and LDH assays, respectively. Double fluorescence staining dem- onstrated that carbaryl induced the death of FG cells mainly through necrosis. There was no significant genotoxicity found in the FG cells exposed to the highest testing concentration of carbaryl （20mgL-1, P〉0.05） as was demonstrated by Comet assay. Zebrafish embryos exposed to carbaryl at concentrations 〉10 mg L-1 displayed moderate toxic effects on the survival, spontaneous movement, hatching, heart rates of the embryos and their development, which were evidenced by yolk and pericardial sac edemas, body length reduction and tail flexure in time- and concentration-dependent manners at specific stages. The 24h-, 48h- and 96h-LC50 values of carbaryl to zebra fish embryos were 41.80 ± 1.10, 17.80 ± 1.04 and 14.46 ± 1.05 mg L-1, respectively. These results suggested that car- baryl is moderately toxic to FG ceils cultured in vitro and zebrafish embryos, and the FG cells were similar to zebrafish embryos in their sensitivity to carbaryl as 24h-IC50 and LC50 indicated.

Genotoxicity of substituted nitrobenzenes and the quantitative structure－activity relationship

The genotoxicity of 22 substituted nitrobenzenes were evaluated by the chromosome aberrations test in in vitro human peripheral lymphocytes.18 of 22 compounds exhibit genotoxic activities.Quantitative structure-activity relationship model was established to correlate the genotoxicity of substituted nitrobenzenes with the characteristics of the substituents on benzene ring.

GFP tracking transcriptional activity of endogenous p53: vector construction and application in genotoxicity detection

Objective: To establish a sensitive and specific system for genotoxicity detection in vivo. Methods: Endogenous p53 tracer vector p53RE was constructed by using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter to trace p53 transcriptional activity under the control of base SV40 early promoter. The tracer cells 3T3-REG were established by transfecting NIH3T3 cells with tracer vector and treated with ultraviolet, H2O2 and adriamycin to induce DNA damage and the subsequent endogenous p53 expression. The GFP expression and its green fluorescence in the tracer cells were observed and measured with fluorescent microscope and FACS. Results: The GFP expression increased rapidly after various treatment and reached the maximum 1 h later, and decreased gradually afterwards. FACS analysis showed that GFP expression in 3T3-REG tracer cells was consistent with the concentration of H2O2, while that in 3T3-SVG cells, which were transfected with control vector pSV-GFP. hardly increased in response to the treatment. Conclusion: GFP tracing p53 transcriptional activity is a sensitive and specific method for genotoxicity detection.

Joannesia princeps： Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts Genotoxicity Utilizing Allium cepa Assay and Micronucleus Test

Evaluation of the genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials is a part of the analysis process where plant products with therapeutic properties must be submitted for being safely employed, mainly through long time points, doannesia princeps, also known as ＂cotieira＂ has been used on popular medicine as laxative and several diseases treatment. Aiming to analyze genotoxic potential ofd. princeps leaves extract, Allium cepa assay and micronucleus test were employed. No genotoxic activity presented J. princeps leaves extract; however, extracts cytotoxic activity over A. cepa meristematic cells and mice marrow cells was observed. J. princeps leaves extract presented antiproliferative activity at concentrations and systems employed indicating their therapeutic potential for cellular cycle inhibition. Moreover, results showed that in regard to its mutagenic effect, usage of J. princeps leaves tea on popular medicine has been a safe procedure, as well.

Synthesis,Characterizations and in Vitro Assessment of the Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Novel Silicon Nitride-Based Porous Ceramics

Porous Si3N4-SiO2-based ceramics with different porosity were prepared via free sintering of Si3N4 on air with an addition of semolina (5, 10 and 20 wt%) as a pore-forming agent. The semolina content in the starting powder controlled the volume fraction of pores in the sintered body. Small pores (5 μm) formed a continuous network in the whole volume of the ceramic material, while the large pores (~100 μm), formed from the added semolina were mostly isolated in the ceramic matrix. Mercury porosimetry and strength measurements have shown that specific surface area, volume density and compressive strength decreased with the amount of semolina in the samples. Mechanical properties similar to bone were obtained for the sample with 20 wt% semolina pore forming agent (compressive strength 350 MPa, density 2.17 g.cm-3). The prepared Si3N4-SiO2-based ceramics were evaluated for cytotoxic and genotoxic potential on human fibroblast VH10 and B-HNF-1 cells. Biological tests have shown that both these human fibroblast cell lines were sensitive to the samples with lower porosity and cell growth inhibition was observed in the range 14.9% - 21.3%. The cytotoxicity of the sample with the highest porosity (~40%) was not significant (10%). The microscopic observations have shown that VH10 and B-HNF-1 cells growing around the silicon nitride ceramic discs were homogeneously distributed on the cultivation surface. No significant morphologic changes were found in treated cells, their morphology was very similar to that of the control cells. None of the tested Si3N4-based ceramic samples induced necrotic/apoptotic death of human fibroblasts. Sample S-20 had similar properties to bones and was characterized by very good biocompatibility, slight cytotoxicity and none genotoxicity. Therefore, Si3N4-SiO2-based ceramics prepared by free sintering on air are potential biomaterials for medical applications.

Assessment of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of standardized aqueous extract from leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells line

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxicity and the genotoxicity of standardized aqueous of dry leaves of Erythroxylum cuneatum(E.cuneatum)in human HepG2 and WRL68 cells.Methods:The cytoloxicity of E.cuneatum extract was evaluated by both MTS and LDH assays.Genotoxicity study on E.cuneatum extract was assessed by the single cell gel electrophoresis(comet assay).The protective effect of E.cuneatum against menadione-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated.Results:Results from this study showed that E.cuneatum extract exhibited cytotoxic activities towards the cells with IC_(50)value of(125±12)and(125±14)μg/mL for HepG2and WRL68 cells respectively,after 72 h incubation period as determined by MTS assay.LDH leakage was detected at(251±19)and(199.5±12.0)μg/mL for HepG2 and WRL68 respectively.Genotoxicity study results showed that treatment with E.cuneatum up to 1 mg/mL did not cause obvious DNA damage in WRL68 and HepG2 cells.Addition of E.cunaetum did not show significant protection towards menadione in WRL68 and HepG2 Cells.Conclusions:E.cuneatum standardized aqueous extract might be developed in onler to establish new pharmacological possibilities for its application.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo Genotoxicity of Almond Skins

Objective It aims to study potential genotoxicity of almond skins.Methods A bacterial reverse mutation assay was performed on S.typhimurium strains TA97,TA98,TA100,TA102,and TA1535 in the absence or presence of S-9 mixture at a dose range of 312.5 to 5 000 μg/plate.A micronucleus test and a mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration tests were performed in Swiss Albino （CD-1） mice at doses of 625,1 250,and 2 500 mg/kg bw used.Results Almond skins exerted no mutagenic activity in various bacterial strains of Salmonella typhimurium in either the absence or the presence of metabolic activation at all doses tested.Various doses of almond skins did not affect the proportions of immature to total erythrocytes,the number of micronuclei in the immature erythrocytes,or the number of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations of Swiss albino mice.Conclusion Almond skins are not genotoxic under the conditions of the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay and two in vivo tests-micronucleus test and mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration test,which supports the safety of almond skins for dietary consumption.

Genotoxicity and Safety Pharmacology Studies of Indole Alkaloids Extract from Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br.

Indole alkaloids extract(IAAS)was prepared from leaves of Alstonia scholaris(L.)R.Br.,an evergreen tropical plant widely distributed throughout the world.This plant has been used historically by the Dai ethnic people of China to treat respiratory diseases.This study evaluated the genotoxicity and safety pharmacology of IAAS to support clinical use.The bacterial reverse mutation(Ames)test,in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test,and in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus(MN)test were performed to evaluate genotoxicity.Mice were administered IAAS(240,480,or 960 mg/kg bw)once orally to observe adverse central nervous system effects.Furthermore,beagle dogs were administered IAAS(10,30,60 mg/kg bw)once via the duodenum to evaluate its effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.IAAS with or without S9-induced metabolic activation showed no genotoxicity in the Ames test up to 500μg/plate,in the mammalian chromosomal aberration test up to 710μg/mL,or in the MN test up to 800 mg/kg bw.No abnormal neurobehavioral effects were observed in mice following treatment with up to 960 mg/kg bw of IAAS.Moreover,blood pressure,heart rate,electrocardiogram parameters,and depth and rate of breathing in anesthetized beagle dogs did not differ among the IAAS doses or from the vehicle group.These data indicated that IAAS did not induce mutagenicity,clastogenicity,or genotoxicity,and no pharmaco-toxicological effects were observed in the respiratory,cardiovascular,or central nervous systems.Our results increased understanding of safety considerations associated with IAAS,and may indicate that IAAS is a possible drug candidate.

Double-endpoint Genotoxicity Quantification and PAHs Characterization of Drinking Water Source alongside Polluted Yinghe River with High Tumor Mortality

The etiology for the high tumor mortality in heavy polluted Yinghe river basin is still unclear and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)belong to the priority pollutants in water based on the former surveillance data.In order to explore the potential genotoxicants contributing to the double-endpoint genotoxicity of polluted drinking water source,12 groundwater and 3 surface water samples were collected from 3 villages and the nearby rivers alongside Yinghe river basin,respectively and their comprehensive genotoxicity was estimated with a bioassay group of sOS/umu test and micronucleus(MN)test(MNT).Some groundwater samples showed positive genotoxicity and all surface water samples were highly genotoxic.Eight groundwater samples showed DNA genotoxic effct with the average 4-NQO equivalent concentration(TEQ_(4-NQO))of 0.067μg/L and 0.089μg/L in wet and dry season,respectively.The average MN ratios of groundwater samples were 14.19‰ and 17.52‰ in wet and dry season,respectively.Groundwater samples showed different genotoxic effect among 3 villages.The total PAHs concentrations in all water samples ranged from 8.98 to 25.17 ng/L with an average of 14.97±4.85 ng/L.BaA,CHR,BkF,BaP and DBA were the main carcinogenic PAHs contributing to the genotoxicity of water samples.In conclusion,carcinogenic PAHs are possibly related to the high tumor mortality in the target area.Characterization of carcinogenic PAHs to genotoxicity of drinking water source may shed light on the etiology study for high tumor mortality in Yinghe river basin.Key words:genotoxicity test;drinking water source;high tumor mortality;Yinghe river basin;polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)