Analytical Methods Used to Measure Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Water

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been detected in natural waters globally. Additionally, trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have also been detected in various waters, primarily as the result of incomplete wastewater treatment. Some PPCPs are known to act as EDCs as they can have impacts on the endocrine systems of animals. The detection of EDCs and PPCPs in source water is of great concern since some of these compounds have known physiological responses at low concentrations. The majority of EDCs and PPCPs are more polar than traditional contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, and several have acidic or basic moieties. These properties, coupled with trace quantities, create unique challenges for both removal processes and analytical detection. There are two general approaches for monitoring EDCs and PPCPs in water: (1) direct measurement of target compounds via analytical instrumentation and (2) biological assays. These approaches will be discussed with an emphasis on analytical methods for direct measurements.