Estrogenic alkylphenols in fish tissues, sediments, and waters from the U.K. Tyne and Tees estuaries

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es980782k· OSTI ID:345129

Lye, C M; Frid, C L.J.; Gill, M E ^[1]; Cooper, D W; Jones, D M ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Newcastle upon Tyne, North Shields (United Kingdom). Dove Marine Lab.
2. Univ. of Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom)

Nonylphenols and related compounds are common products of biodegradation of a large group of nonionic surfactants, the nonylphenol polyethoxylates. Many of these compounds are known to be environmentally persistent and to elicit estrogenic response in both mammals and fish. In this study, nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), and octylphenol (OP) were found in tissues of mature male flounder, Platichthys flesus, and in tissues of juvenile flounder. These fish also showed detectable levels of the yolk protein vitellogenin in their plasma, indicative of estrogenic exposure. The compounds were also found in discharges from a major sewage treatment works and in sediments from two estuaries in north-east England; the highest levels from the highly industrialized Tees and lower levels from the industrialized/urbanized Tyne estuary. The implications of these findings for fish populations are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 345129
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 33; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL MARKERS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
FISHES
SEDIMENTS
SURFACTANTS
WATER POLLUTION