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The mutagenicity of the vicinity of an oil-refining complex and a petrochemical complex was examined using the germinal revertant frequency of Zea mays waxy-C W22 and the somatic stamen hair system of Tradescantia. A 3-year study was conducted at Wood River, Illinois, in 1978, 1979, and 1980, and a 1-year study in 1979 at Beaumont, Texas. The studies conducted in 1978 registered the effects of airborne pollutants and possible soil pollutants. The studies in 1979 and 1980 registered only the effects of airborne pollutants. Elevated mutation frequencies of Zea mays compared to various controls occurred in 1978, 1979, and 1980 at both complexes. The mutation frequencies of Zea mays were particularly high, up to 26-times control values. By contrast, the mutation frequencies of Tradescantia were much lower, with maximum mutation frequencies five times control value.

The mutagenicity of the environment in the vicinity of a lead smelter was examined for 3 years by studies of changes in the frequencies of male germinal mutations of the waxy-C system of Zea mays and somatic mutations of the stamen hair system of Tradescantia. A transect was run at 0.3, 1.7, 3.2, 7.4, and 11.4 km predominantly downwind from the smelter. The mutagenic responses vary between years, within a year, and with distance. Mutation frequencies are both directional and nondirectional with distance. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn measured in soil samples show directional changes with distance each of the 3 years, and joint monotonicity is observed in some cases between mutation frequency with distance and metal concentrations with distance. Of a total of ten experiments with both Zea mays and Tradescantia, eight show significantly higher mutation frequencies at one or more locations close to the smelter than at locations more distant or at other controls.

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