Determination of the androgenic potency of whole effluents using mosquitofish and trout bioassays

摘要: Abstract This study combined bioassay-derived and direct chemical analysis of steroidal compounds in pulp paper municipal sewage effluent order to determine the cause masculinization female mosquitofish. The bioassays used this consisted androgen estrogen receptor binding, aromatase inhibition using tissues from rainbow trout. observed no mosquitofish a mill that was previously effect. Mosquitofish sampled receiving environment same verified not occurring wild. also had masculinizing In vitro indicated significant sources both androgens estrogens effluents tested with having highest estradiol (41 ng/L) testosterone (182 ng/L) equivalent concentration. These results could be attributed any particular measured effluents. Two implicated by effluent, androstenedione androstadienedione required relatively large (10–100 μg/L) waterborne concentrations elicit effect neither these are likely occur at levels high natural environment. potent inhibitor, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione did 100 μg/L indicating through mechanism. mammalian anti-androgen, cyproterone acetate only partially effective reduced severity presence methyl testosterone. While masculinized mosquitofish, there reduction ovarian steroid production most severe effects effluent. Overall, found disappearance been observed; concluded based on 21 days aqueous exposures candidates for masculinization, showed unrelated biological endpoints.