Endocrine disruptors in the Scheldt estuary: distribution exposure and effects

The Scheldt Estuary is known as one of the more polluted estuaries in Europe (OSPAR, 2000). The major compartments of the estuary, i.e. water, suspended solids, sediments and biota, are all affected by common POPs (persistent organic pollutants). In the framework of the ENDIS-RISKS project these compartments were frequently sampled during the last four years and analysed for these POPs indicated as possible endocrine disruptors. As such, the concentration levels of 22 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 18 polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), 5 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)... Mehr ...