Publication Abstract

Effects on fish of estrogenic substances in English rivers

Effects on fish of estrogenic substances in English rivers

P. Matthiessen

This paper reviews current knowledge about the effects on fish of estrogenic treated sewage discharges in the United Kingdom, and also discusses what is known about the substances responsible. Discharges and receiving waters have been surveyed for estrogenic activity by measuring the induction of the female yolk protein vitellogenin in male rainbow trout held in cages for 3 weeks. This sensitive and estrogen-specific biomarker has shown that almost all treated sewage discharges are strongly estrogenic to fish, and that a number of rivers downstream from these effluents also show estrogenic activity for distances of up to 5 km. The largest increases in vitellogenin synthesis are accompanied by reductions in testicular growth and increases in liver weight. In contrast, raw water reservoirs (many containing river water that has received treated sewage effluent) surveyed before the water is treated for potable supply have not revealed any estrogenic effects in fish. Furthermore, effects in rivers are less evident in the winter. Evidence suggests that these reductions in response are primarily caused by dilution. The available data suggest that these effects are causedby several substances which are acting additively or even synergistically. In one case (a discharge on the River Aire in northern England), the responses are largely due to the presence of nonylphenol (NP) which is inter alia a degradation product of nonylphenol polyethoxylate surfactants used in wool scouring. Although NP is present in most other treated sewage discharges due to its wide industrial and domestic use, it is not the only substance responsible for the observed effects at these sites, and the review describes ongoing research which is identifying other contributary materials. The review concludes with an outline of research which is currently in progress to clarify the full range of estrogenic effects to be expected on fish and the damage which may be occurring to the reproductive success of fish populations.

Reference:

P. Matthiessen, 1998. Effects on fish of estrogenic substances in English rivers. pp239-247. In: Principles and Processes for Evaluating Endocrine Disruption in Wildlife, R.J. Kendall, R.L. Dickerson, J. Giesy and W.A. Suk, (eds.) SETAC Technical Publication, SETAC Press, Pensacola

P. Matthiessen*

pp239-247. In: Principles and Processes for Evaluating Endocrine Disruption in Wildlife, R.J. Kendall, R.L. Dickerson, J. Giesy and W.A. Suk, (eds.) SETAC Technical Publication, SETAC Press, Pensacola