Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs): The Risks for Aquatic Fauna

Abstract

Many natural and synthetic compounds like fungicides, plasticizers, phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens released into the aquatic environment from sewage discharges, agricultural runoffs and industrial effluents can lead to endocrine disruption in exposed species of fish. These endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) exert adverse effects on fish by disrupting oestrogen, androgen and aromatase functions, by causing impairment of gonad development, by endocrine disruption and by promoting behavioural changes. Thus, the chances of survival of affected species are compromised. As fish constitute an important source of food for humans, elevated concentrations of EDCs can also exert adverse effects on human health. It is thus essential to control and reduce the levels of EDCs and to combat their effects upon fish species to prevent further damage to the Earths marine and freshwater ecosystems.