Estrogen levels in surface sediments from a multi-impacted Brazilian estuarine system

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2019-05, Vol.142, p.576-580
• Main Authors: Pusceddu, Fabio Hermes, Sugauara, Lucy Elaine, de Marchi, Mary Rodrigues, Choueri, Rodrigo Brasil, Castro, Ítalo Braga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 17α-ethinylestradiol; 17β-Estradiol; Brackishwater environment; Brazil; Contamination; Ecological risk assessment; Effluents; Endocrine disruptors; Endocrine Disruptors - analysis; Environmental risk; Environmental studies; Estradiol - analysis; Estriol; Estriol - analysis; Estrogens; Estrogens - analysis; Estuaries; Estuarine environments; Ethinyl Estradiol - analysis; Ethinylestradiol; Geologic Sediments - analysis; Household wastes; Oestrogens; Point sources; Sanitation; Sanitation services; Sediment; Sediments; Sewage; Sex hormones; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.052

Estrogen levels were assessed in surface sediments from one of the most industrialized and urbanized estuarine systems in Latin America (SSES, Santos and São Vicente estuarine system). Estriol (E3) presented quantifiable levels in all sampled sites, ranging from 20.9 ng g−1 to 694.2 ng g−1. 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) were also detected in almost all sampled sites. The highest concentration of E2 was 23.9 ng g−1, whereas high levels of EE2 86.3 ng g−1. The occurrence of estrogens in SSES was diffuse and partially related to a domestic sewage outfall. Estrogens were also found in areas with substantial contribution of sanitary effluents from domiciles not covered by sanitation services. Our results reinforce that studies on environmental contamination by estrogens should not be spatially limited to the vicinities of point sources. These results contribute to raise awareness on the need of a formal approach to assess ecological risks of estrogens in the SSES. [Display omitted] •Estrogens in SSES were related to the sewage outfall and areas lacking sanitation.•E3 and E2 were found at higher levels compared to other studies in coastal areas.•Levels of EE2 were above the concentration effects reported in previous studies.•The assessment/monitoring of estrogens should not be limited to point sources.