Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the Australian riverine environment

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the Australian riverine environment. [Online] (Updated June 25th, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/2988 [Accessed Wednesday 29th of February 2012 08:22:40 PM ].

This national level pilot project assessed the environmental fate (breakdown, phase partitioning into sediments, mobility) and ecotoxicological impact of priority endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Australian riverine environment. Samples from waterways from across Australia (e.g., Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory) associated with various types of sources were collected and screened for EDCs. The total loading of estrogenic and androgenic compounds was assessed.

The data from this project would help in better understanding risks associated with EDCs in Australian environments and provide useful information for water recycling and reuse.

Dr Kookana was also a key player in a workshop, hosted by LWA and CSIRO that brought together researchers and policy people interested in EDCs to draft the Black Mountain Declaration on EDCs (see related publications below).

Project Objectives

Develop a sound understanding of the environmental fate of selected groups of EDCs.
Determine the endocrine disrupting activity in the riverine environment using available screening tools.
Develop relevant measureable endpoints and through these assess the impacts of EDCs on a native fish species.
Form research collaborations and disseminate information widely within Australia and overseas.