Publication Abstract

Oestrogenic potency of effluent from two sewage treatment works in the UK

J.E. Harries, A. Janbakhsh, S. Jobling, P. Matthiessen, J.P. Sumpter, and C.R. Tyler

Rainbow trout were exposed to various dilutions of treated effluent (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) from Harpenden and Chelmsford sewage treatment works, during November and August, respectively, and the induction of plasma vitellogenin measured. Significant (p<0.05) increases in plasma vitellogenin concentrations occurred in fish held in effluent from Harpenden STW at concentrations of 50% and above. At Chelms ford STW, the effluent was more potent, causing induction of vitellogenin in fish at concentrations as low as 25%. Exposure to lower concentrations of effluent emanating from Chelmsford in April of the following year indicated that estrogenic activity was diluted to no effect levels at this STW at concentrations between 12% and 25%. The data presented indicate that to avoid potential impacts on fish in British rivers, improvement in the treatment plants and/or greater dilution of effluents is likely to be required.

Reference:

J.E. Harries, A. Janbakhsh, S. Jobling, P. Matthiessen, J.P. Sumpter, and C.R. Tyler, 1999. Oestrogenic potency of effluent from two sewage treatment works in the UK.. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 932-937