Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Spatial and seasonal distribution of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds in an urban estuary (Mondego River, Portugal): evaluation of the estrogenic load of the area

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Mondego River estuary demonstrates signs of pollution, but the levels of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as the natural (17β-estradiol and estrone) and pharmaceutical (17α-ethynylestradiol) estrogens, xenoestrogenic industrial pollutants (4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, and their mono- and diethoxylates and bisphenol A), phytoestrogens (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein), and sitosterol were either poorly or never measured in this area. Thus, to conclude about the influx of EDCs in this estuary, water samples were taken every 2 months, during 1 year (2010) in low tide, at eight sites distributed along the estuary. Water samples (1 L) were preconcentrated in the Oasis HLB cartridges and cleaned in silica cartridges before their analysis by GC-MS. In summer, potentially hazardous amounts of estrogens (≈26 ng L−1), alkylphenols (≈11.5 μg L−1), alkylphenolethoxylates (≈13 μg L−1), and phytoestrogens (≈5.6 μg L−1) were measured. These data suggest that changes in the hydrodynamics of the estuary coupled with the increase of water temperatures interfere with the amount of EDCs in the water. Complementary physicochemical parameters also point to high levels of anthropogenic pollution in this area. Globally, the estrogenic load, expressed in ethynylestradiol equivalents, attained 71.8 ng L−1 demonstrating that, all together, the measured EDCs pose important health risks for both biota and humans.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrade, A. I. A. S. S., & Stigter, T. Y. (2009). Multi-method assessment of nitrate and pesticide contamination in shallow alluvial groundwater as a function of hydrogeological setting and land use. Agricultural Water Management, 96(12), 1751–1765. doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2009.07.014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arditsoglou, A., & Voutsa, D. (2008). Passive sampling of selected endocrine disrupting compounds using polar organic chemical integrative samplers. Environmental Pollution, 156(2), 316–324. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2008.02.007.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Associação Portuguesa de distribuição e drenagem de águas, A. (2005). ETAR da Figueira da Foz trata o esgoto de 35 mil pessoas. Accessed 19–07–2013.

  • Benassayag, C., Perrot-Applanat, M., & Ferre, F. (2002). Phytoestrogens as modulators of steroid action in target cells. Journal of Chromatography B, 777(1–2), 233–248. doi:10.1016/S1570-0232(02)00340-9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carrola, S. C., Fontaínhas-Fernandes, A., Coelho, D., Martinho, F., Rocha, M. J., Ferreira-Cardoso, J., et al. (2012). Assessment of intersex severity in grey mullets from three Portuguese estuaries—preliminary data. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology (Vol. 163).

  • Céspedes, R., Lacorte, S., Raldúa, D., Ginebreda, A., Barceló, D., & Piña, B. (2005). Distribution of endocrine disruptors in the Llobregat River basin (Catalonia, NE Spain). Chemosphere, 61(11), 1710–1719. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.082.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clotfelter, E. D., McNitt, M., Carpenter, R., & Summers, C. (2010). Modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters in fighting fish Betta splendens exposed to waterborne phytoestrogens. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 36(4), 933–943. doi:10.1007/s10695-009-9370-2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coldham, N. G., Dave, M., Sivapathasundaram, S., McDonnell, D. P., Connor, C., & Sauer, M. J. (1997). Evaluation of a recombinant yeast cell estrogen screening assay. [Article]. Environmental Health Perspectives, 105(7), 734–742. doi:10.1289/ehp.97105734.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crain, D. A., Eriksen, M., Iguchi, T., Jobling, S., Laufer, H., LeBlanc, G. A., et al. (2007). An ecological assessment of bisphenol-A: evidence from comparative biology. Reproductive Toxicology, 24(2), 225–239. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2007.05.008.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • David, A., Fenet, H., & Gomez, E. (2009). Alkylphenols in marine environments: distribution monitoring strategies and detection considerations. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58(7), 953–960. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.021.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dolbeth, M., Cardoso, P., & Pardal, M. (2011). Impact of eutrophication on the seagrass assemblages of the Mondego estuary (Portugal). In A. A. Ansari, S. Singh Gill, G. R. Lanza, & W. Rast (Eds.), Eutrophication: causes, consequences and control (pp. 225–246). Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, J. G., Simas, T., Nobre, A., Silva, M. C., Shifferegger, K., & Lencart-Silva, J. (2003). Identification of sensitive areas and vulnerable zones in transitional and coastal Portuguese systems. Application of the United States national estuarine eutrophication assessment to the Minho, Lima, Douro, Ria de Aveiro, Mondego, Tagus, Sado, Mira, Ria Formosa and Guadiana systems: INAG and IMAR.

  • Hoerger, C. C., Wettstein, F. E., Hungerbühler, K., & Bucheli, T. D. (2009). Occurrence and origin of estrogenic isoflavones in Swiss river waters. Environmental Science & Technology, 43(16), 6151–6157. doi:10.1021/es901034u.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kiparissis, Y., Balch, G. C., Metcalfe, T. L., & Metcalfe, C. D. (2003). Effects of the isoflavones genistein and equol on the gonadal development of Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(9), 1158–1163.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laganà, A., Bacaloni, A., De Leva, I., Faberi, A., Fago, G., & Marino, A. (2004). Analytical methodologies for determining the occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in sewage treatment plants and natural waters. Analytica Chimica Acta, 50(1), 79–88. doi:10.1016/j.aca.2003.09.020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leston, S., Lillebø, A. I., & Pardal, M. A. (2008). The response of primary producer assemblages to mitigation measures to reduce eutrophication in a temperate estuary. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 77(4), 688–696. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2007.11.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lillebø, A. I., Otero, M., Coelho, J. P., Rodrigues, E. T., Pereira, M. E., Duarte, A. C., et al. (2012). The effects of changes to estuarine hydrology on system phosphorous retention capacity: the Mondego estuary, Portugal. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 99(0), 85–94. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2011.12.016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Medeiros, W. D. A., Cunha, L. J. S., & Almeida, A. C. (2012). Riscos ambientais e percepção no litoral: Estudo comparativo Brasil-Portugal. Revista Geonorte, Edição Especial, 1(4), 985–997.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, L. J., & Chichester, C. (2005). Review of evidence: are endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the aquatic environment impacting fish populations? Science of The Total Environment, 343(1–3), 1–34. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.12.070.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro, C., Pardal, M. A., Martinho, F., Margalho, R., Tiritan, M. E., Rocha, E., et al. (2009). Distribution of endocrine disruptors in the Mondego River estuary, Portugal. [Article]. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 149(1–4), 183–193. doi:10.1007/s10661-008-0192-y.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha, M. J., Ribeiro, M., Ribeiro, C., Couto, C., Cruzeiro, C., & Rocha, E. (2012). Endocrine disruptors in the Leca River and nearby Porto Coast (NW Portugal): presence of estrogenic compounds and hypoxic conditions. [Article]. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, 94(2), 262–274. doi:10.1080/02772248.2011.644291.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha, M. J., Cruzeiro, C., Reis, M., Rocha, E., & Pardal, M. A. (2013a). Determination of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds and their spatial and seasonal distribution in the Sado River Estuary (Portugal). [Article]. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, 95(2), 237–253. doi:10.1080/02772248.2012.758730.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha, M. J., Cruzeiro, C., & Rocha, E. (2013b). Development and validation of a GC-MS method for the evaluation of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds, including phytoestrogens and sitosterol, in coastal waters—their spatial and seasonal levels in Porto costal region (Portugal). Journal of Water and Health, 11(2), 281–296. doi:10.2166/wh.2013.021.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rocha, M. J., Cruzeiro, C., & Rocha, E. (2013c). Quantification of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds and their spatial and seasonal distribution in the Iberian Ave River and its coastline. [Article]. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, 95(3), 386–399. doi:10.1080/02772248.2013.773002.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez-Mozaz, S., de López Alda, M. J., & Barceló, D. (2004). Monitoring of estrogens, pesticides and bisphenol A in natural waters and drinking water treatment plants by solid-phase extraction–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A, 1045(1–2), 85–92. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2004.06.040.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Safe, S. H. (2000). Endocrine disruptors and human health—is there a problem? An update. Environmental Health Perspectives, 108(6), 487–493.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sellin, M. K., Snow, D. D., Akerly, D. L., & Kolok, A. S. (2009). Estrogenic compounds downstream from three small cities in eastern Nebraska: occurrence and biological effect. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 45(1), 14–21. doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.2008.00285.x.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soares, A., Guieysse, B., Jefferson, B., Cartmell, E., & Lester, J. N. (2008). Nonylphenol in the environment: a critical review on occurrence, fate, toxicity and treatment in wastewaters. Environment International, 34(7), 1033–1049. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2008.01.004.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Urbatzka, R., Rocha, E., Reis, B., Cruzeiro, C., Monteiro, R. A. F., & Rocha, M. J. (2012). Effects of ethinylestradiol and of an environmentally relevant mixture of xenoestrogens on steroidogenic gene expression and specific transcription factors in zebrafish. Environmental Pollution, 164(0), 28–35. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2012.01.018.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vethaak, A. D., Lahr, J., Schrap, S. M., Belfroid, A. C., Rijs, G. B. J., Gerritsen, A., et al. (2005). An integrated assessment of estrogenic contamination and biological effects in the aquatic environment of The Netherlands. Chemosphere, 59(4), 511–524. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.12.053.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Volkman, J. K., Revill, A. T., Holdsworth, D. G., & Fredericks, D. (2008). Organic matter sources in an enclosed coastal inlet assessed using lipid biomarkers and stable isotopes. Organic Geochemistry, 39(6), 689–710. doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2008.02.014.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ying, G.-G., Kookana, R. S., & Ru, Y.-J. (2002). Occurrence and fate of hormone steroids in the environment. Environment International, 28(6), 545–551. doi:10.1016/S0160-4120(02)00075-2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zoller, U. (2006). Estuarine and coastal zone marine pollution by the nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylates endocrine disrupters: is there a potential ecotoxicological problem? Environment International, 32, 269–272.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by FEDER funds through the Competitiveness and Trade Expansion Program-COMPETE and by the National Funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) via the project PTDC/MAR/70436/2006.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Cellular, Molecular and Analytical Studies, Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), CIMAR Associate Laboratory (CIMAR LA), University of Porto (UPorto), Oporto, Portugal

    Maria João Rocha, Catarina Cruzeiro & Eduardo Rocha

  2. CESPU, Superior Institute of Health Sciences-North (ISCS-N), Gandra (Paredes), Portugal

    Maria João Rocha

  3. Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), UPorto, Porto, Portugal

    Maria João Rocha & Eduardo Rocha

  4. CFE-Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, Coimbra, 3001-401, Portugal

    Mário Reis & Miguel Ângelo Pardal

Authors
  1. Maria João Rocha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Catarina Cruzeiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mário Reis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Miguel Ângelo Pardal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Eduardo Rocha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria João Rocha.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rocha, M.J., Cruzeiro, C., Reis, M. et al. Spatial and seasonal distribution of 17 endocrine disruptor compounds in an urban estuary (Mondego River, Portugal): evaluation of the estrogenic load of the area. Environ Monit Assess 186, 3337–3350 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3621-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3621-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation