Estrogens and Progestogens in Wastewater, Sludge, Sediments, and Soil

Abstract

Estrogens and progestogens are two classes of female steroidal hormones whose presence in the environment has been associated with the appearance of certain alarming reproductive and development effects, such as feminization, decreased fertility, and hermaphroditism, in living organisms exposed to these compounds. Synthetic chemicals resembling these natural hormones are now well established in human medicine (mainly as contraceptives and for treatment of hormonal disorders) and in animal farming practices (usually as growth promoters). They are therefore produced on a large scale every year. Mainly due to unsuccessful removal in wastewater treatment plants, they are continuously released into the aquatic environment. Adverse effects on aquatic wildlife at concentrations as low as ∼1 ng L^–1 have been reported. Studies have also shown that estrogens and progestogens are easily distributed in the environment and may accumulate in river sediments. However, little is known about their long-term environmental impact. In this chapter, the main sources of estrogens and progestogens, their principal pathways into the aquatic environment, and the primary routes of exposure to these compounds are discussed. This chapter also reviews the methods described so far for the analysis of estrogens and progestogens in wastewater, sludge, sediments, and soils as well as the environmental levels found in these compartments.