Toxicological and chemical characterization of organic micropollutants in River Po waters (Italy)

River Po waters were collected at the end of the drainage basin, extracted by means of XAD-2 resins and tested for toxicity on aquatic organisms (Daphnia magna and Selenastrum capricornulum) and for mutagenicity with a modified Ames test. The extracts were analyzed by HRGC/FID and selective detectors for the determination of the most common classes of toxic compounds. The relationships between toxicological responses and analytical results are discussed.