Journal of Pollution Effects & Control
Open Access

Abstract

Using Radioimmunoassay to Investigate the Uptake by Amphibians of Estrogens Present in WWTP'S Effluent

Ana Paula Fonseca, José Miguel Oliveira, Valdemar Esteves and Massano Cardoso

The concern about health of aquatic fauna living in waters containing dynamic levels of estrogenic compounds has been increased in last years, in part responsible for disruption of reproduction and development of several wildlife populations, altering blood hormone levels, reducing fertility and fecundity, masculinisation of females and feminization of males. Low-level exposures also cause similar effects in human beings. However, the information of impacts of estrogenicity on wildlife populations is limited to a few species of animals, including some vertebrate and invertebrate. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the concentrations of estrone and 17β-estradiol in Rana/ Pelophylaxperezion four rivers downstream output´s waste water treatment plants, located in Portugal central region, comparing to two control groups living in a non-contaminated water environment. Concentrations between 53-101 pg/ml were founded for estrone, and 37-149 pg/ml for estradiol, using the radioimmunoassay method in blood/serum fraction of the amphibians.