Water quality criteria (WQC) play an important role in the environmental management of pollutants in different countries or institutions. It has been found that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can potentially alter functions of the endocrine system and consequently cause adverse effects in aquatic organisms. Therefore, the complicated modes of action and mechanisms of EDCs should be carefully considered in WQC studies. For example, the research regarding the WQC derivation of EDCs should prioritize sensitive aquatic species in consideration of the WQC derivation. Second, the chronic toxicity of EDCs should be of utmost concern. In addition, the appropriate effects and endpoints of EDCs should be carefully selected for the WQC derivation. Moreover, it was pointed out that some new methods should be taken into consideration in the WQC studies of EDCs in the near future.
Keywords: Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Toxicological endpoints; Water quality criteria.
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