Abstract

RAMIREZ-SANCHEZ, Irwing M.; MARTINEZ-AUSTRIA, Polioptro; QUIROZ-ALFARO, Marco A.  and  BANDALA, Erick R.. Effects of Estrogens, as Emerging Pollutants, on Health and the Environment. Tecnol. cienc. agua [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.5, pp.31-42. ISSN 2007-2422.

Emerging pollutants are substances that have the potential to be harmful to humans, flora and fauna and are not regulated by legislation. Estrogens are included in this definition of emerging pollutants, and are harmful when concentrations in humans or in the environment increase. Humans are exposed to high concentrations of estrogens because of their use in hormone replacement therapy and as contraceptives. Flora and fauna are exposed to estrogens that enter the environment through the discharge of municipal wastewater, treatment plant effluents and runoff containing waste from livestock and other farming activities. This work presents a review of the current knowledge about the effects of estrogens on humans and wildlife. It also identifies anthropogenic origins and the characteristics of estrogens in the environment. Lastly, particular treatment processes to reduce or eliminate estrogens in water are discussed.

Keywords : Estrogens; environment; cancer; human; vitellogenin; wildlife; treatment.

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