Abstract
The continuous uncontrolled discharge of pollutants into aquatic systems in developing countries like Nigeria has prompted a more sensitive assessment of the level of pollutants inhabiting the environment. Sediments and waters of River Ogun and River Ibeche in southwestern part of Nigeria were collected and analysed for 4-t-Octyphenol (4-t-OP), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and Bisphenol-A (BPA), that have been shown to possess endocrine-disrupting properties. Prior to analysis by GC-MS technique, targeted compounds were extracted from samples by ultrasonication and liquid-liquid extraction, respectively. Physicochemical properties of the samples such as temperature, pH, total organic carbon and particle size distribution were also determined. 4-NP and 4-t-Op were detected in all the water samples with concentration ranging between 43.9 ng/L - 79.4 ng/L and 57.1 ng/L - 68.6 ng/L, respectively. No trace of BPA was found in all the water samples collected. However, BPA in sediment samples from both rivers ranged from non detectable to ≤0.4 ng/g, while 4-t-OP and 4-NP were between 2.2 ng/g - 24.5 ng/g and 1.1 ng/g - 79.4 ng/g, respectively. The presence of these compounds in surface water and sediments may be attributed to the release of pollutants into the studied rivers from both domestic and industrial activities. Further studies are however needed to investigate the potential ecological and health effects of these compounds on aquatic organisms that inhabit the rivers.
Highlights
IntroductionEndocrine disrupting compounds referred to as hormonally active agents or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) [2] are exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones that are present in the body and are responsible for homeostasis, reproduction and developmental processes
Poor enforcement of water pollution control laws and regulations has led to an astronomical increase in pollution of rivers and streams in developing countries like Nigeria
Endocrine disrupting compounds referred to as hormonally active agents or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) [2] are exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones that are present in the body and are responsible for homeostasis, reproduction and developmental processes
Summary
Endocrine disrupting compounds referred to as hormonally active agents or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) [2] are exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones that are present in the body and are responsible for homeostasis, reproduction and developmental processes These compounds have attracted a great deal of scientific and public attention worldwide due to their widespread occurrence as environmental contaminants and potential adverse effects on the normal reproduction and development of environmentally exposed organisms [3,4,5]. Various studies have confirmed that nonylphenol present risks to aquatic organisms, especially zooplanktons and benthic macro-invertebrates in areas of high chronic exposure to high concentrations [11,12] They have so far been found to exert toxicity and estrogenic effects on aquatic organisms with attendant effects on human health [13].
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