Abstract
Steroid hormones, naturally synthesized by human and animals, as well as synthetic/plant-derived ones usually in contraception, may be eventually released into the environment, especially in excreta. Levels of these hormones have been detected in significant concentration in sewage effluent around the world. These compounds have the ability, at very low concentrations, to alter normal functioning of the endocrine system, which is responsible for growth and development in vertebrate systems. Their eventual discharge into water bodies can affect reproduction and development in wildlife. Recycling of waste water for human domestic consumption necessitates the need to monitor the water quality of the effluent, as well as a check for these estrogens. Treated sewage effluent from the Darvill Waste Water Works (DWWW) is discharged into the Umsunduzi River; re-use options are being investigated. Samples were collected and assayed for estrone and 17-AŸ-estradiol (estradiol) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The steroid hormone concentrations detected were similar to those reported for sewage effluent in Britain, Italy, Germany, Canada and The Netherlands. Preliminary removal efficiencies were noted to be comparable to those reported.
Highlights
Steroid hormones are biologically active compounds synthesized from cholesterol, with the common cyclopentano-perhydrophenanthrene ring in common [1]
Natural steroids are secreted by the adrenal cortex, testis, and ovary, placenta in human and other animals
In the light of a recent publication [55], the option of using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) for the subsequent assay of these compounds at Laboratory Services, Umgeni Water is being seriously considered. Another suitable test method is developed and validated “in-house”, samples will be outsourced to University of Western Cape (UWC) in the interim. This is the second report on detection of steroid estrogens in water catchment areas in South Africa, and the first report for the Umsunduzi (Duzi) River water catchment area, Kwa-Zulu-Natal region
Summary
Steroid hormones are biologically active compounds synthesized from cholesterol, with the common cyclopentano-perhydrophenanthrene ring in common [1]. Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens [2]. Natural steroids are secreted by the adrenal cortex, testis, and ovary, placenta in human and other animals. The estrogens estriol, estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) (Figure 1), predominantly female hormones, are responsible for maintenance of reproductive organs and tissue, breast, skin and brain. All humans and animals excrete hormones through their bodies; these hormones can end up in the environment through sewage discharge or animal waste disposal [2,3,4,5]. The steroid hormones, chemically very stable, are excreted in the free form or as conjugates; the latter readily biotransform to the free conjugates [4,6]
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