Phenolic xenoestrogens in surface water, sediments, and sewage sludge from Baden-Württemberg, south-west Germany.
Nine structurally different phenolic chemicals, which have been reported to mimic estrogen effects, were determined in various aquatic environmental compartments. Twenty-three water samples from five streams and rivers showed levels up to 458 ng/l for 4-nonylphenol (4NP), 189 ng/l for 4-t-octylphenol (4tOP), 272 ng/l for bisphenol A (BPA) and 47 ng/l for 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2OHBiP). Elevated levels of these compounds in a stream with a high load of effluents of sewage treatment plants (STPs), compared to a brook free of sewage, identified STPs as major sources. With a similar order, 4NP (10-259 micrograms/kg dry matter), 4tOP (< 0.5-8 micrograms/kg), BPA (< 0.5-15 micrograms/kg), and 2OHBiP (2-69 micrograms/kg) were also detected regularly in riverine sediment (n = 11). Levels in sewage sludge were one order of magnitude higher than in sediments. 4-Hydroxybiphenyl and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol were found predominantly in sludge and sediment in the lower ppb range.
Bolz
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U
Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany. ulrike.bolz@uni-tuebingen.de
Hagenmaier
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H
Körner
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D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000032:analysis*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D005858:Germany; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D010636:Phenols; D012722:Sewage; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical