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The spatial and temporal distribution of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (4- tert -octylphenol, 4- n -octylphenol, 4- n -nonylphenol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A) in two coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula (Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon) were evaluated for the first time. Seawater and sediment samples collected during spring and autumn of 2015 were analysed using greener extraction techniques and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of branched isomers (4- tert -octylphenol and nonylphenol) and bisphenol A in almost all seawater and sediment samples demonstrated their importance as pollutants in the frame of water policy, while no concentrations of linear isomers (4- n -octylphenol and 4- n -nonylphenol) were found. Higher seawater levels were observed in Mar Menor lagoon, especially in spring, associated with wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical, agricultural and industrial activities. Similar sediment concentrations were measured in both studied areas, being nonylphenol levels five times higher than those measured for the other EDCs. Experimental sediment–water partition coefficients showed a moderate sorption of target compounds to sediments. Risk quotients for water compartment evidenced a moderate risk posed by nonylphenol, considering the worst-case scenario. For sediments, moderate risk related to 4- tert -octylphenol and high risk to nonylphenol were estimated. Image 1 • 4-alkylphenols and bisphenol A important pollutants in Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon. • The highest concentration measured in seawater corresponding to bisphenol A. • Sediment concentrations of nonylphenol five times higher than other compounds. • Wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical activities main sources of pollution. • Potential risk posed by nonylphenol in both estuaries was indicated by risk quotient estimations. Occurrence, distribution and environmental impact of selected endocrine disrupting compounds in marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrone, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, are endocrine disruptor compounds. In Portugal, the report of male fish feminization in Minho, Ave and Mondego River estuaries made pertinent their evaluation in surface water samples. Data, got by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, showed that estrogens concentrations were lower in Minho than in Ave or Mondego estuaries: [Estrone] > [17β-estradiol] > [17α-ethynylestradiol] (p < 0.05). Converting estrogen concentrations in 17α-ethynylestradiol equivalents, the contribution of estrogens was 1.3 ng/L, 3.5 ng/L, and 2.4 ng/L, respectively, for Minho, Ave, and Mondego estuaries stressing out a high risk for local aquatic species. The concentrations of alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates were lower at both Minho and Mondego estuaries ≈600 ng/L and 2700 ng/L, respectively than at the Ave, ≈1070 ng/L and 4855 ng/L (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study reports the first systematic data about the presence of the targeted endocrine disruptor compounds in the Minho River estuary and, in parallel, provides new information about their concentrations in two other habitats previously monitored. This study also shows that in Ave and Mondego estuaries the concentrations of industrial estrogens were still excessive, whereas the load of the pure estrogens has decreased significantly facing previous surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry is an expanding activity, mainly due to the world population demand of fish. However, intensive production and the use of chemicals have raised environmental concerns and have questioned the quality of cultured fish in comparison to wild fish. Up to date, there is little information regarding pollutant residues in cultured stocks and the risks associated to consumption. Here we summarize recent data on pollutants exposure, together with biochemical responses in both cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the Iberian Peninsula. The obtained data highlights the use of chemicals in current aquaculture practices as a significant source of pollution in cultured fish that poses a risk to exposed individuals and may negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, a controlled use of those chemicals and a careful selection of the aquaculture location can ensure relatively low and homogeneous levels of pollutants in cultured fish in comparison to wild specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]