Synergistic ecotoxicity of APEOs-PAHs in rivers and sediments: is there a potential health risk?

Rev Environ Health. 2010 Oct-Dec;25(4):351-7. doi: 10.1515/reveh.2010.25.4.351.

Abstract

The occurrence and persistence of anthropogenic pollutants in the environment showing estrogenic-endocrine modulating effects in aquatic organisms is a 'hot' issue of major health- and environment-related concern worldwide. The population growth and the increasing scarcity of water in many regions of the world have led to a comprehensive reuse of treated wastewater that, ultimately, may cause a long-term concentration buildup of many toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the closed cycle of water supply and wastewater treatment and reuse. The endocrinic/mutagenic potencies of the EDCs-branched chain alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and their metabolites are well-documented. From approximately 5.5 x 108 m3/y of sewage produced in Israel, approximately 70% are reused, following a conventional, or advanced, activated sludge or sand aquifer treatment (SAT). A major related question is: Does this practice conform to sustainability? Our studies reveal that (a) the concentrations of APEOs and PAHs in Israel rivers and sediments do pose a potential health risk problem; and (b) the synergistic ecotoxicologic impact of environmentally relevant mixtures of these POPs, in WWTP effluents, constitutes an inconsistency, healthwise, with sustainability practice.

MeSH terms

  • Endocrine Disruptors / analysis*
  • Ethyl Ethers / analysis*
  • Fresh Water / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Israel
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollution, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Ethyl Ethers
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical