Potential estrogenic background in aquatic laboratory cultivations.
Eliska Sychrova1, Marie Smutna1, Katerina Novakova1
1RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
Aquatic Toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Laboratory phytoplankton cultivation can be unintentionally affected by estrogenic compounds from growth media and plastics. These contaminants, including bisphenol A, can interfere with ecotoxicological studies, highlighting the need for careful blank sample assessment.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Aquatic biotests are crucial for assessing ecotoxicological effects, such as endocrine disruption.
- Unintentional exposure to endocrine disruptors during laboratory cultivation can compromise bioassay results.
- Phytoplankton cultivation is susceptible to estrogenic contamination from various sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential sources of estrogenic compounds in laboratory phytoplankton cultivation.
- To assess the estrogenicity of blank samples, including water and growth media.
- To identify specific estrogenic contaminants, such as bisphenol A and alkylphenols, originating from plastic materials.
Main Methods:
- In vitro biotests were used to evaluate the estrogenicity of 54 blank samples.
- Analysis of major known estrogens (bisphenol A, alkylphenols) in selected samples.
- Comparison of estrogenic responses to a reference compound (17β-estradiol, E2).
Main Results:
- Freshly prepared growth media showed weak estrogenic responses.
- Aerated media samples exhibited significant estrogenicity, sometimes exceeding 50% of the reference compound's maximum effect.
- Compounds released from plastic materials during aeration contributed sporadically to estrogenicity (up to 4.9 ng E2 equivalent/L).
Conclusions:
- Substances in growth media are minor but consistent contributors to estrogenicity in phytoplankton cultivations.
- Plastic materials can release estrogenic compounds during cultivation, impacting bioassay outcomes.
- Thorough assessment of blank samples using sensitive in vitro assays is essential to minimize background contamination and ensure the reliability of aquatic biotests.
