More male fish ”feminized” by pollution on the Basque coast

http://www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Berri_Kod=4986&hizk=I

2014/3/27

Members of the Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology group have discovered evidence of "feminization" of male fish in the estuaries of Gernika, Arriluze, Santurtzi, Plentzia, Ondarroa, Deba and Pasaia. The first cases (2007-2008) were detected in Urdaibai, and the most recent data confirm that they are also taking place in other estuaries. Pollutants acting as oestrogens are responsible for this phenomenon which, among other changes, is causing ovocytes —immature ova— to appear in male fish.

-----

Some of the emerging pollutants detected are in fact responsible for the “feminization” of male fish on the Basque coast and belong to the group of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Chemically, they are very different from each other, but they all have similar effects: due to their interaction with hormones, they destroy the hormone balance and can lead to the feminization or masculinization of the organism. As they are pollutants that have appeared recently, little is known as yet about their effects on the environment and on ecosystems.

-----

Despite the fact that they are new pollutants in terms of their effects, the “sources” of endocrine disrupting chemicals can be found in everyday products: plasticisers, pesticides, contraceptive pills, fragrances and detergents, among other things.

Some reach the waters after managing to get through the cleaning systems in wastewater treatment plants, and others as a result of industrial or farming activities. So, as far as the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is concerned, for example, “our main hypothesis,” says Cajaraville, “is that they come from the water treatment plant. It was the first place we studied, and continues to be, by far, responsible for the highest percentage of recently appearing pollutants.”

-----