Occurrence and Some Properties of the Androgenic Activity in Municipal Sewage Effluents

Abstract

Androgenicity was tested in municipal effluents before and after treatment in sewage treatment plants using different treatment methods. The activity was tested with a recombinant yeast strain transfected with the gene for the human androgen receptor. Fractionation of effluents showed some basic properties of compounds with androgenic activity. Effluents from Swedish domestic sewage treatment plants contained compounds with androgenic effects. Levels varied from 0-160 ng dihydrotestosterone (DHT) equivalents/L. The androgenicity was higher in untreated effluents and removals of 26 and 42% for STWs without secondary treatment and 96- > 99% were recorded for STWs with secondary and tertiary treatment. As with estrogens in municipal effluents, STWs using biological treatment such as activated sludge and solid supported microbial processes were more effective in reduction of androgenic activity. Plants using only precipitation methods removed less of the activity. The androgens were composed of at least three individual compounds, similarly or less lipophilic than DHT.

Screening of multiple hormonal activities in surface water and sediment from the Pearl River system, South China, using effect‐directed in vitro bioassays

“…Some effluents from domestic sewage treatment plants were also found to have androgenic activities. The androgenic potency in Swedish domestic STP effluents varied from not detected to 160 ng DEQ/L [38], which is slightly higher than the potencies in the four STP effluents from the present study. Androgenic activity was less frequently detected in surface water and sediment of the Pearl River system, which is consistent with the results of some previous studies [13,39,40].…”

An Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Activity Changes in Water Reclamation Systems Through the Use of Bioassays and Chemical Measurements

“…Secondary treatment removed testosterone by more than 91 percent to concentrations below 6 ng/L. Similar testosterone concentrations for primary and secondary effluents have been reported by Svenson and Allard (2004). Although present in the primary effluent, 17α-ethynylestradiol, 17β-estradiol, estriol, and testosterone were not detected in both MBR effluents.…”

Effects of model aromatizable (17α-methyltestosterone) and non-aromatizable (5α-dihydrotestosterone) androgens on the adult mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) in a short-term reproductive endocrine bioassay

“…If endpoint was not measured, no symbol is given. , waterborne concentrations can range from 0 to 163 ng/L downstream of discharge (Svenson and Allard, 2004). The concentration of DHT in the Kaoping river estuary ranges from 0.94 to 3.1 ng/L (Shue et al, 2014).…”