title: Occurrence of selected estrogenic compounds and estrogenic activity in surface water and sediment of Langat River (Malaysia).
abstract: The occurrence and estrogenic activities of steroid estrogens, such as the natural estrone (E1), 17β estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3), as well as the synthetic 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), were investigated in eight sampling points along the Langat River (Malaysia). Surface water samples were collected at 0.5 m and surface sediment 0-5 cm from the river surface. Instrument analysis of steroid estrogens was determined by UPLC-ESI-MS with an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (Perkin Elmer FX15) coupled to a Q Trap function mass spectrophotometer (model 3200: AB Sciex). Steroid estrogen concentrations were higher in the Langat River sediments than those in its surface water. In surface water, E1 was not detected in any sampling point, E2 was only detected in two midstream sampling points (range 0-0.004 ng/L), E3 in three sampling points (range 0-0.002 ng/L), and EE2 in four sampling points (range 0-0.02 ng/L). E1 and E2 were detected in sediments from all sampling points, E3 in five sampling points, while EE2 only in one midstream sample (3.29E-4 ng/g). Sewage treatment plants, farming waste, and agricultural activities particularly present midstream and downstream were identified as potential sources of estrogens. Estrogenic activity expressed as estradiol equivalents (EEQs) was below 1 ng/L in all samples for both surface water and sediment, indicating therefore a low potential estrogenic risk to the aquatic environment. Although the health risks are still uncertain for drinking water consumers exposed to low levels of steroid estrogen concentrations, Langat River water is unacceptable for direct drinking purposes without treatment. Further studies of endocrine disruptors in Malaysian waters are highly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty Of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. smpraveena@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sarva Mangala
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0159-4395
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Praveena
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty Of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Tang Seok
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Lui
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty Of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nur'Aqilah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hamin
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty Of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Siti Quistina Noorain Abdul
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Razak
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Ahmad Zaharin
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Aris
mesh_terms: D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D004964:Estriol / Q000032:analysis; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis*; D004970:Estrone / Q000032:analysis; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D008296:Malaysia; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004967:Estrogens; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D004970:Estrone; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D004958:Estradiol; D004964:Estriol
keywords: Estrogenic activity; Langat River; Occurrence; Steroid estrogen