Impact of climate change and population growth on a risk assessment for endocrine disruption in fish due to steroid estrogens in England and Wales

V.D.J Keller,P Lloyd,J.A Terry,R.J Williams

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.017

V.D.J Keller, P Lloyd + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.017

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Abstract

In England and Wales, steroid estrogens: estrone, estradiol and ethinylestradiol have previously been identified as the main chemicals causing endocrine disruption in male fish. A national risk assessment is already available for intersex in fish arising from estrogens under current flow conditions. This study presents, to our knowledge, the first set of national catchment-based risk assessments for steroid estrogen under future scenarios. The river flows and temperatures were perturbed using three climate change scenarios (ranging from relatively dry to wet). The effects of demographic changes on estrogen consumption and human population served by sewage treatment works were also included. Compared to the current situation, the results indicated increased future risk:the percentage of high risk category sites, where endocrine disruption is more likely to occur, increased. These increases were mainly caused by changes in human population. This study provides regulators with valuable information to prepare for this potential increased risk.

Highlights

The steroid estrogens estrone (E1, natural hormone), estradiol (E2, natural hormone) and ethinylestradiol (EE2, synthetic hormone) were identified as the main chemicals causing intersex in male fish, which is a widespread issue in the UK (Jobling et al, 1998).These substances may be referred to as “down-the-drain” chemicals as, after disposal/consumption, they enter river waters via sewage treatment works (STWs)
The mean estradiol concentration curves for all three future scenarios were shifted to the right compared to the current risk assessment, but there was little obvious difference between the three future scenarios themselves
Across all three scenarios considered, there was an increase in risk for endocrine disruption in fish due to steroid estrogens in England and Wales

Summary

Introduction

The steroid estrogens estrone (E1, natural hormone), estradiol (E2, natural hormone) and ethinylestradiol (EE2, synthetic hormone) were identified as the main chemicals causing intersex in male fish, which is a widespread issue in the UK (Jobling et al, 1998) These substances may be referred to as “down-the-drain” chemicals as, after disposal/consumption, they enter river waters via sewage treatment works (STWs). In 2012, the European Commission published a proposal suggesting a new annual average environmental quality standard of EQS 0.035 ng/L for EE2 and 0.4 ng/L for E2 (European Commission, 2012) Since these drugs have been placed on a watch list of priority substances in the field of water policy, which will be reviewed in 2014. The identification of regions at risk presently and in the future was identified as one of the top 20 priority questions related to pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment (Boxall et al, 2012)

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