A recent publication in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry presented evidence that brief exposure to sewage sludge could alter the reproductive behavior of goldfish due to the estrogenic compounds found in the sludge (Schoenfuss, H. L. et al. 2007 Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Vol. 21, No. 10, pp. 2185–2190). The presence of female hormones in wastewater residuals and in water that receives combined sewer overflows is a matter of great concern. NJWRRI is currently funding research on the presence of such compounds in waters that receive sewer overflows and treated wastewater, in the hope of developing better regulations for these compounds.
What knowledge is there of endocrine compounds in wastewater, combined sewer overflows, or wastewater residuals in New Jersey? Is this something that we should be paying more attention to? Something that’s not as well understood as it needs to be? Or not a problem here?
7 comments:
I'm not sure what work has been done in NJ, if any at all, but there was a paper written by a CU professor named David Norris. The study took place in Boulder, CO and is called, "What is Estrogen Doing in Our Fish and Water?" I believe there was also a study done on the Potomac. I've never had the need to look into it in depth but this might be a starting point for you.
Here is a study by some Rutgers folks:
Zhou T, John-Alder HB, Weis JS, Weis P. Endocrine disruption: thyroid dysfunction in mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) from a polluted habitat. Mar Environ Res. 2000 Jul-Dec;50(1-5):393-7.
I have heard, from a radio talk show host regurgitating some study, that the medicines consumed by us empty out through our waste into the sewage system and therefore goes back into our drinking water; at a lesser level of course, but nonetheless still has minute effects on some people. That paper sounds like a good read ... i'll search for that on the internet.
One student in my limnology class is writing his term paper on EDC's in aquatic systems; another on pharmaceuticals in general. I can combine their bibliographies along with my own short one and share with anyone interested. The freshwater mussel, Eliptio complanata, which is found in NJ, is a prominent study species, along with various coastal species.
Other than previously mentioned, I haven't found any NJ studies, although Henry John-Alder would likely be a good person to contact.
The most recient study from the USGS published in 2007: "Efficency of conventionaldrinking water treatment process in removal of Pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds"
Avaiable on line at www.sciencedirect.com
A study done in Pittsburgh rivers found estrogen mimics in levels that surprised the investigators:
http://www.physorg.com/news96035578.html
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