Effect-based analysis of endocrine effects in surface and ground water with focus on progestagenicity using Arxula yeast-based reporter gene assays

Abstract

The use of effect-based methods in water monitoring for identifying risks to aquatic organisms and human health is important for aiding regulatory decisions. In the past decades, the database on monitoring especially in surface waters has grown as this aquatic environment is openly exposed to various contamination sources. With regard to endocrine disruption, estrogenic and androgenic effects have been primarily investigated. Here, yeast-based bioassays emerged as potent tools, offering sensitivity to environmentally relevant concentrations and high robustness. The objectives of this study were to investigate further endocrine endpoints and to extend the monitoring to ground waters. The inclusion of progestagenic effects is crucial due to their multifaceted roles in various functions of organisms. Hence, three different Arxula-yeast hormone screens (estrogen, androgen and progesterone receptors) were applied, revealing simultaneous exposure to diverse endocrine effects in surface and ground water matrices. While effect profiles in surface waters showed mainly activation of hormone receptors, in ground water samples inhibitory effects clearly predominate. Even though, toxicological thresholds are not yet legally binding, they are essential for effective regulatory measures and risk management to ensure the good ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. The results were compared to EBTs for ecological as well as human risk assessment depending on the sample matrix, none of which was exceeded.