microbial degradation of estrogens in the aquatic environment
Estrogens in the environment can cause endocrine disruption in animals and have received increasing attentions. Microbial degradation is considered as one of the major pathways of estrogen removal. Based on our previous studies, we had acquired an estrogen catabolic intermediate- pyridinestrone acid, and we proposed to use it as a marker to indicate the microbial degradation pathway of estrogens in the surface water of different rivers through microcosm experiments. Results showed that pyridinestrone acid was widely distributed in situ environmental waters. E1 could be degraded in all the samples and produced PEA at different concentrations. The addition of E1 or ammonium changed the microbial community structure of environmental water and stimulated the increase of estrogen-degrading bacteria. This study will help to evaluate the ecological risks of estrogens and provide scientific principles for the bioremediation of estrogens in the environment.