Evaluation of genotoxicity potential of household effluents from onsite wastewater treatment systems using umu test

Household effluents are predominantly treated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Other treatment methods, which were examined in this study, are also used in the countryside. These treatment modes include (1) onsite toilet wastewater treatment system (OTWTS), (2) onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), (3) community wastewater treatment system (CWTS), and (4) onsite vault toilet (OVT). Household effluents consist of excrements and urine released from toilets as well as wastewater released from kitchens and bathrooms. In the present study, household effluents that were discharged from the residential areas having undergone similar treatment methodologies were compared using the umu test, an in vitro bioassay to assess genotoxicity potential. The different treatment methodologies were categorized based upon whether the two kinds of wastewater were mixed or not mixed and treated or not treated. Treated wastewater containing excrements and urine from the OTWTS exhibited the strongest genotoxicity potential compared to other effluents, whereas most of the kitchen and bathroom wastewater from OVT did not display genotoxicity. Data indicated that the genotoxicants in the effluents originated primarily from excrements and urine, and may increase an adverse environmental risk.