Biodegradation of endocrine disrupting compounds in harbour seawater and sediments.
The biodegradation of three endocrine disrupting compounds was examined using samples of seawater and sediment collected from Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, an urbanized harbour impacted by over two centuries of anthropogenic contamination. Flask experiments, where the samples were mixed to form a slurry were used to monitor the aerobic biodegradation of the synthetic plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA), the natural hormone 17beta-estradiol (E2), and the pharmaceutical and contraceptive ethinylestradiol (EE2). Degradation rates followed the order E2>EE2>BPA with half-lives of up to 1, 5 and 14 days in seawater, respectively. A rapid initial degradation rate for all three compounds with no apparent lag phase indicated the ability of the microbial community to readily catabolise the chemicals. The formation of unidentified non-persistent intermediate metabolites was observed during the E2 degradation experiments. These degradation rates are more rapid and complete than reported in previous studies, indicating the adaptation of native microbial communities to these contaminants.
Robinson
Brian J
BJ
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B2Y 4A2.
Hellou
Jocelyne
J
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D006207:Half-Life; D007700:Kinetics; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004958:Estradiol; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D010636:Phenols; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds