Investigation of endocrine disruption in Australian aquatic environments

Funding: 2011: $60,000

Project Member(s): Lim, R.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
Landcare Research, NZ
Sydney Water (Sydney Water Partner Funds)
Melbourne Water Corporation
South East Queensland Water Corporation Limited (South East Queensland Water Corporation)
Western Australia Department of Water (West Australian Department of Water Partnership Fund)
Water Research Australia Limited

Start year: 2010

Summary: Water is a vital resource. The disposal of wastes is often associated with the release of contaminants like endocrine disruptors into the environment. These contaminants can impact the health of our waterways and lead to potential risks to fish populations and ultimately public health. The hazards resulting from endocrine disruptors have been well defined globally and to a lesser extent in Australia in the last decade, however we have very limited information about possible effects in Australian waterways or reservoirs. This research project will investigate the state of endocrine disruption in our waters. The knowledge gained will address the gap and provide a benefit to the national community, risk managers and importantly our waterways.

Keywords: endocrine disruption, in vitro bioassay, industrial pollutants, agricultural pollutants, effects-based assessment, wastewater, fish.

FOR Codes: Land and Water Management of environments not elsewhere classified, Industrial Chemicals and Related Products not elsewhere classified, Agricultural Chemicals not elsewhere classified, Environmental Monitoring, Fisheries Sciences, Environmental Chemistry (incl. Atmospheric Chemistry), Atmospheric composition, chemistry and processes, Pollution and contamination, Other environmental management , Agricultural chemicals, Industrial chemicals and related products