Evaluation of estrogenic hormones in water reservoirs and municipality treatment plants in Istanbul

Abstract

The increase in population and industrialization has led to increase wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Turkey's pharmaceutical sector has grown by over 30% in the last decade, therefore the levels of estrogenic hormones are also expected to increase in wastewater. When exposed from external sources, estrogenic hormones may cause endocrine disturbance. This paper assesses the levels of 17 beta-estradiol and estrone levels in treatment plants. A total 16 treatment plants and 4 water reservoirs were analysed for 17 beta-estradiol and estrone using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) test method. 17 beta-estradiol and estrone values were detected in the range of 37-382 ng/L and <1-187 ng/L, respectively. Pre-treatment plants had the highest levels estrogenic hormones, while reservoirs had the least levels.