The impact of oestrogenic and androgenic contamination on marine organisms in the United Kingdom--summary of the EDMAR programme. Endocrine Disruption in the Marine Environment.
This paper summarises results of the EDMAR programme which is investigating oestrogenic and androgenic endocrine disruption in UK coastal waters. Most of the data concern fish. Four species (flounder, viviparous blenny and two sand gobies) are experiencing feminisation in industrialised estuaries. In males this includes vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis, ovotestis induction and/or feminised sexual characteristics. Although reproductive success may be impaired in some cases, implications for fish populations are still unclear. Suspected causative contaminants include natural oestrogenic substances and synthetic oestrogen mimics. The majority of the oestrogenic activity is adsorbed to sediments, and routes of exposure may include benthic food chain transfer. Some natural androgenic substances are also being discharged to estuaries, but their activity appears low.
Matthiessen
Peter
P
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. pmatt@ceh.ac.uk
Allen
Yvonne
Y
Bamber
Shaw
S
Craft
John
J
Hurst
Mark
M
Hutchinson
Tom
T
Feist
Steve
S
Katsiadaki
Ioanna
I
Kirby
Mark
M
Robinson
Craig
C
Scott
Sandy
S
Thain
John
J
Thomas
Kevin
K
D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000002:abnormalities*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014819:Vitellogenins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D014819:Vitellogenins; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical