Protecting Europe's fish against Endocrine Disruptor Compounds
Endocrine Disruptor Compounds, or EDCs, are manmade chemicals released into the environment that wreak havoc with organisms' endocrine systems, negatively impacting their development and reproduction. The Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme brought together seven European universities to address the affects of EDCs on Europe's fish resources. The ACE project examined the effect of a specific type of EDC, estrogenic chemicals, in complex mixtures. Environmental chemists with the University of Venice contributed by significantly shortening the amount of time needed to analyse water samples for EDCs. They employed the Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technique that allows for separation and quantification of several different chemical species simultaneously. In comparison to conventional analysis techniques that require six to eight hours per sample, the LC-MS technique requires less than 15 minutes per sample. In addition, high sensitivity can be attained. Method Detection Limits (MDLs) for carboxylated nonylphenol monoethoxylate and nonylphenol monoethoxylate are 0.03μg/L and 20μg/L respectively. Application areas for the technique include estrogenic assays in polluted water or wastewater streams. The technique also works with saltwater samples. In addition, the Italians scientists stated that the method could be employed to measure levels of other harmful chemicals.
