Multiphase Partitioning of Estrogens in a River Impacted by Feedlot Wastewater Discharge

Overview

Journal Toxics

Date 2024 Sep 27

PMID 39330599

Authors

Kuo-Hui Yang

Hao-Shen Hung

Wei-Hsiang Huang

Chi-Ying Hsieh

Ting-Chien Chen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Estrogens in river systems can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the multiphase partitioning of estrogens in Wulo Creek, Taiwan, which receives animal feedlot wastewater, to understand their distribution and potential environmental implications. Water samples were separated into suspended particulate matter (SPM), colloidal, and soluble phases using centrifugation and cross-flow ultrafiltration. Concentrations of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) in each phase were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Partition coefficients were calculated to assess estrogen distribution among phases. Estrogens were predominantly found in the soluble phase (85.8-87.3%). The risk assessment of estrogen equivalent (EEQ) values suggests that estrogen concentration in water poses a higher risk compared to SPM, with a majority of the samples indicating a high risk to aquatic organisms. The colloidal phase contained 12.7-14.2% of estrogens. The log values (4.72-4.77 L/kg-C) were significantly higher than the log and log values (2.02-3.40 L/kg-C) for all estrogens. Colloids play a critical role in estrogen distribution in river systems, potentially influencing their fate, transport, and biotoxicity. This finding highlights the importance of considering colloidal interactions in assessing estrogen behavior in aquatic environments.

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