Genotoxicity of three biofuel candidates compared to reference fuels
•Neither the investigated biofuels nor reference fuels did induce mutagenic effects.•2-MTHF and EL induced micronucleus formation only at high concentrations.•2-MF should not be used as a biofuel due to high genotoxic potency.•Both assays could easily be integrated in the development process of biof...
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Published in | Environmental toxicology and pharmacology Vol. 64; pp. 131 - 138 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Netherlands
Elsevier B.V
01.12.2018
Elsevier Science Ltd |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | •Neither the investigated biofuels nor reference fuels did induce mutagenic effects.•2-MTHF and EL induced micronucleus formation only at high concentrations.•2-MF should not be used as a biofuel due to high genotoxic potency.•Both assays could easily be integrated in the development process of biofuels.
Global demand for alternative energy sources increases due to concerns regarding energy security and greenhouse gas emissions. However, little is known regarding the impacts of biofuels to the environment and human health even though the identification of such impacts is important to avoid biofuels leading to undesired effects. In this study mutagenicity and genotoxicity of the three biofuel candidates ethyl levulinate (EL), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and 2-methylfuran (2-MF) were investigated in comparison to two petroleum-derived fuels and a biodiesel. None of the samples induced mutagenicity in the Ames fluctuation test. However, the Micronucleus assay revealed significant effects in Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) V79 cells caused by the potential biofuels. 2-MF revealed the highest toxic potential with significant induction of micronuclei below 20.0 mg/L. EL and 2-MTHF induced micronuclei only at very high concentrations (>1000.0 mg/L). In regard to the genotoxic potential of 2-MF, its usage as biofuel should be critically discussed. |
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ISSN: | 1382-6689 1872-7077 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.etap.2018.10.003 |