Effect-based assessment of water samples using cell culture assays

Human cell cultures will be used in order to test for toxic effects of relevant pesticides and potential metabolites. Main focus will be put on the analysis of cellular viability, which will be done by classical MTT assay. Moreover, the potential of the pesticides to favor tumorigenicity by inducing DNA damage will be monitored using COMET assay. In order to test for endocrine disruption, interactions of the tested substances with the hormone system will be analyzed on hormone responsive human cell lines. All necessary methods for performing these assays are well established within our laboratory.