Distribution of Mutagens and Toxicants in Lake Ontario Waters as Assessed by Microbiological Procedures

Water samples collected from inshore and offshore waters in Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and Hamilton Bay were tested for mutagenic activity (Ames’ Test) and presence of acute toxicants (Spirillum volutans test). Data indicate many inshore waters contain mutagenic compounds which cause reversion of Salmonella tester strain TA 1535. The majority of samples tested did not contain acute toxicants based on the Spirillum volutans test.