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

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es980782k· OSTI ID:345129
; ;  [1]; ;  [2]
  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