Evaluation of toxic and genotoxic activity of some composts from different origin

Toxic (reduction of primary roots length) and genotoxic (induction of micronucleated cells) effects of six composts from different origin were tested (municipal waste, olive mill, tomato industry, slaughtery residues and canteen residues). The results obtained show different behaviours of the compost studied, depending on the composting processes as well as the starting-material characteristics and application rates. No toxic and genotoxic effects were recorded at agronomical doses. Two of the composts used induced a low level of mutagenic damage without significant toxicity. The micronuclei test is proposed as an useful tool for a better characterisation of compost quality.