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Endocrine disruption in the Scheldt Estuary: distribution, exposure and effects
www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&cod=ev/22
www.vliz.be/projects/endis
Dutch title: Endocriene verstoring in het Schelde-estuarium: distributie, blootstelling en effecten
Parent project: Research action SPSD-II: Second scientific support plan for a sustainable development policy, more
Funder identifier: EV/22 (Other contract id)
Acronym: ENDIS-RISKS
Period: February 2002 till April 2006
Status: Completed

Thesaurus terms Hormones; Pesticides; Pollution
 Institutes | Publications 
Institutes (7)  Top | Publications 
Abstract
  • Context

    There is growing concern about the potential of various chemicals to produce changes in the functioning of the endocrine system of humans and animals. Known natural hormones as well as relatively unknown environmental pollutants seem to have the ability to potentially disrupt the endocrine system of man and animal in such a way that harmful effects on their development and reproduction can occur.
    The first indications of possible effects of endocrine disrupting substances and the presence of these substances in the Scheldt estuary have recently been published. The industrial areas of Ghent and Antwerp are to a large extent responsible for this pollution. Therefore, there is an obvious need to investigate the occurrence of endocrine disruption in the Scheldt estuary. In addition, a detailed knowledge of the distribution and long-term effects of these substances is needed in the framework of future-oriented policy measures at the national and European level.


  • Project description

    • Objectives

      The major objectives within the project are:

      - analyses of endocrine disrupters in water, suspended solids, sediment and biota (mysids, gobies);
      - in vitro evaluation of the estrogenic and androgenic potency of samples of water, suspended solids and sediment;
      - ecotoxicological and in situ evaluation of the effects on the resident mysid populations (short, intermediate and long-term);
      - risk assessment of endocrine disrupters in the Scheldt estuary.


    • Methodology

      The proposed project can be divided into four different research phases:

      Phase I: Distribution of endocrine disrupting substances in the Scheldt estuary (chemical analyses, analyses on biota, in vitro analyses)

      The Scheldt estuary will be sampled three times a year (spring, summer and winter) for the duration of the project. On each sampling date, sediment, water, suspended solid and biota (mysid shrimp and gobies) will be collected. An extended list of natural hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals will be measured in these samples.

      The different water, sediment and suspended solid extracts will be tested in vitro to assess their potential to bind with the (human) estrogen and androgen receptor. The results of these analyses will allow an identification of the estrogenic and androgenic potency in different environmental matrices of the Scheldt estuary.

      Phase II: Evaluation of the exposure of biota from the Scheldt estuary to endocrine disrupting substances

      Based on the results of the first sampling campaigns priority substances will be selected. These priority endocrine-disrupting chemicals will be used in laboratory experiments with mysid shrimp to assess acute and chronic effects (Phase III).

      Phase III: Ecotoxicological evaluation of the effects of endocrine disrupting substances occurring in the Scheldt estuary on resident mysid shrimp populations (laboratory and field studies)

      Acute and chronic laboratory tests with mysid shrimps
      To evaluate the possible effects of the pollutants (retained in phase II) on mysid shrimp, acute and chronic test will be performed in the laboratory. Mysid shrimp will also be exposed in multi-generation experiments during two generations (until the first generation of juveniles produces juveniles again) to assess the effects of endocrine disrupters during prolonged exposure.

      Population study of the native mysid shrimp in the Scheldt estuary
      The mysid shrimp population of the Scheldt estuary will be sampled and studied during one year. In this way, the present population dynamics can be compared with the available historical data and possible changes can be detected. In addition, a more in-depth field study on the possible endocrine disruption effects will be conducted based on the results of the laboratory toxicity experiments. Sensitive endpoints identified in the laboratory experiments will be validated in situ on the resident mysid shrimp population in the Scheldt estuary.

      Phase IV: Risk assessment

      In the last phase, the results of the previous phases will be incorporated into an integrated risk assessment for the Scheldt estuary with reference to endocrine disrupting substances. Moreover, an overall risk assessment for the Scheldt estuary will be conducted with these data in correlation with environmental concentrations of the tested endocrine disrupters. Recommendations for sustainable management and priority substances will be developed.

      The results of this study on "endocrine disruption in the Scheldt estuary: distribution, exposure and effects" will be used at different levels and in different ways.

      In order to ensure (rapid) dissemination and valorisation of the obtained results, the following actions will be undertaken:

      - all results will be published in peer-reviewed journals;
      - transfer (and discussion) of the obtained knowledge and insights to national and international representatives of policy-making and policy-supporting governmental services. This discussion will offer an essential contribution to the international contractual engagements of Belgium;
      - diffusion of data and results through scientific databases;
      - interactive communication forum during the project (project website);
      - the results of the project will be brought together in a book, which will include the datasets on CD-rom and the main research results.
      The diffusion and valorisation of the information as described above will be developed and maintained by the Flemish Institute for the Sea (VLIZ) (subcontracted) under supervision of the co-ordinator.
Publications (33)  Top | Institutes 
  • Noppe, H. (2006). Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent. Faculteit Diergeneeskunde: Gent. ISBN 978-90-5864-100-7. 153 pp., more
  • Noppe, H.; Arijs, K.; De Wasch, K.; Van Cruchten, S.; Poelmans, S.; Courtheyn, D.; Cobbaert, E.; Gillis, W.; Vanthemsche, P.; De Brabander, H.F.; Janssen, C.R.; Van Hoof, N. (2006). Biological and chemical approaches for the detection and identification of illegal estrogens in water based solutions, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 59-72, more
  • Noppe, H.; Arijs, K.; De Wasch, K.; Van Cruchten, S.; Poelmans, S.; Courtheyn, D.; Cobbaert, E.; Gillis, W.; Vanthemsche, P.; De Brabander, H.F.; Janssen, C.R.; Van Hoof, N. (2006). Biological and chemical approaches for the detection and identification of illegal estrogens in water based solutions. Vet. Res. Comm. 30(6): 577-585. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11259-006-3326-0, more
  • Noppe, H.; De Wasch, K.; Poelmans, S.; Van Hoof, N.; Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R.; De Brabander, H. (2006). Development and validation of an analytical method for detection of estrogens in water, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 21-41, more
  • Noppe, H.; De Wasch, K.; Poelmans, S.; Van Hoof, N.; Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R.; De Brabander, H. (2005). Development and validation of an analytical method for detection of estrogens in water. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 382(1): 91-98. dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-005-3174-8, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Fenske, M.; Verslycke, T.; Tyler, C.; Janssen, C.R. (2005). Development of a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for vitellin in the mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea). Comp. Biochem. Physiol., Part A Physiol. 142(1): 43-49. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2005.07.006, more
  • Fockedey, N. (2005). Dieet en groei van Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea) = Diet and growth of Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea). PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent. Vakgroep Biologie, sectie Mariene Biologie: Gent. X, 297 pp., more
  • Noppe, H.; Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; De Wulf, E.; Verheyden, K.; Monteyne, E.; Polfliet, K.; Van Caeter, P.; Janssen, C.R.; De Brabander, H.F. (2006). Distribution and ecotoxicity of chlorotriazines in the Scheldt estuary (Belgium-Netherlands), in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 85-105, more
  • Fockedey, N.; Ghekiere, A.; Bruwiere, S.; Janssen, C.R.; Vincx, M. (2005). Effect of salinity and temperature on the intra-marsupial development of the brackish water mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea), in: Fockedey, N. Dieet en groei van Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea) = Diet and growth of Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea). pp. 227-247, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R. (2002). Effects of a changing abiotic environment on the energy metabolism in the estuarine mysid shrimp Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea). J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 279(1-2): 61-72. dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0981(02)00339-8, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R. (2006). Effects of methoprene, nonylphenol, and estrone on the vitellogenesis of the mysid Neomysis integer. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 147(2): 190-195. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2005.12.021, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R. (2006). Effects of methoprene, nonylphenol, and estrone on the vitellogenesis of the mysid Neomysis integer, in: Ghekiere, A. Studie van invertebraat-specifieke effecten van endocrien-verstorende stoffen in de estuariene aasgarnaal Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) = Study of invertebrate-specific effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814). pp. 48-57, more
  • RappĂ©, K.; Ghekiere, A.; Noppe, H.; Monteyne, E.; Fockedey, N.; Janssen, C.; De Brabander, H.; Roose, P.; Vincx, M. (2007). ENDIS-RISKS: endocrine disruption in the Scheldt estuary - a field study, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 2 March 2007: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 39: pp. 53, more
  • Verslycke, T. (2003). Endocrine disruption in the estuarine invertebrate Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea) = Endocriene verstoring bij de estuariene invertebraat Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea). PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent: Gent. VII, 224 pp., more
  • Janssen, C.R.; Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; Vincx, M.; Fockedey, N.; RappĂ©, K.; De Brabander, H.; Noppe, H.; Roose, P.; Monteyne, E.; Vethaak, D.; Mees, J.; Deneudt, K. (2007). Endocrine disruption in the Scheldt estuary distribution, exposure and effects (ENDIS-RISKS). Final report. Belgian Science Policy: Brussels. 106 pp., more
  • Monteyne, E.; Roose, P.; Janssen, C.R. (2007). Endocrine disruptor levels in invertebrates from the Scheldt estuary: cause for concern? BMM: Oostende. 1 poster pp., more
  • Verslycke, T.A.; Vethaak, A.D.; Arijs, K.; Janssen, C.R. (2005). Flame retardants, surfactants and organotins in sediment and mysid shrimp of the Scheldt estuary (The Netherlands). Environ. Pollut. 136(1): 19-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2004.12.008, more
  • Noppe, H. (2006). General discussion and further research perspectives, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 107-112, more
  • Noppe, H. (2006). General introduction and aim of the study, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 1-22, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Fockedey, N.; Verslycke, T.; Vincx, M.; Janssen, C.R. (2007). Marsupial development in the mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea) to evaluate the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 66(1): 9-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2006.02.008, more
  • Noppe, H.; Verheyden, K.; Gillis, W.; Courtheyn, D.; Vanthemsche, P.; De Brabander, H.F. (2006). Multi-analyte approach for the determination of ng.l-1 amounts of steroid hormones in unidentified aqueous samples, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 71-86, more
  • Noppe, H.; Verheyden, K.; Gillis, W.; Courtheyn, D.; Vanthemsche, P.; De Brabander, H.F. (2007). Multi-analyte approach for the determination of ng.l-1 amounts of steroid hormones in unidentified aqueous samples. Anal. Chim. Acta 586(1-2): 22-29. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2006.08.048, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Fockedey, N.; McKenney Jr., C.L.; Roast, S.D.; Jones, M.; Mees, J.; Janssen, C.R. (2004). Mysid crustaceans as potential test organisms for the evaluation of environmental endocrine disruption: a review. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 23(5): 1219-1234. https://doi.org/10.1897/03-332, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Fockedey, N.; McKenney Jr., C.L.; Roast, S.D.; Jones, M.; Mees, J.; Janssen, C.R. (2005). Mysid crustaceans as potential test organisms for the evaluation of environmental endocrine disruption: a review, in: Fockedey, N. Dieet en groei van Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea) = Diet and growth of Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea, Mysidacea). pp. 249-275, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Ghekiere, A.; Raimondo, S.; Janssen, C.R. (2007). Mysid crustaceans as standard models for the screening and testing of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Ecotoxicology 16: 205-219. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10646-006-0122-0, more
  • Noppe, H.; Verslycke, T.; De Wulf, E.; Verheyden, K.; Monteyne, E.; van Caeter, P.; Janssen, C.R.; De Brabander, H.F. (2007). Occurrence of estrogens in the Scheldt estuary: a 2-year survey. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 66(1): 1-8. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2006.04.005, more
  • Noppe, H.; Verslycke, T.; De Wulf, E.; Verheyden, K.; Monteyne, E.; van Caeter, P.; Janssen, C.R.; De Brabander, H.F. (2006). Occurrence of estrogens in the Scheldt estuary: a 2-year survey, in: Noppe, H. Analytiek van hormoon verstorende stoffen in milieumatrices = Analytics of endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental matrices. pp. 41-60, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; De Smet, L.; Van Beeumen, J.; Janssen, C.R. (2004). Purification and characterization of vitellin from the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 138(4): 427-433. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2004.05.012, more
  • Ghekiere, A.; Verslycke, T.; De Smet, L.; Van Beeumen, J.; Janssen, C.R. (2006). Purification and characterization of vitellin from the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea), in: Ghekiere, A. Studie van invertebraat-specifieke effecten van endocrien-verstorende stoffen in de estuariene aasgarnaal Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) = Study of invertebrate-specific effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814). pp. 24-35, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Ghekiere, A.; Janssen, C.R. (2004). Seasonal and spatial patterns in cellular energy allocation in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea) of the Scheldt estuary (The Netherlands). J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 306(2): 245-267. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2004.01.014, more
  • Ghekiere, A. (2006). Studie van invertebraat-specifieke effecten van endocrien-verstorende stoffen in de estuariene aasgarnaal Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) = Study of invertebrate-specific effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814). PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent. Faculteit Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: Gent. ISBN 90-5989-105-8. 143 pp., more
  • Fockedey, N.; Mees, J.; Vangheluwe, M.; Verslycke, T.; Janssen, C.R.; Vincx, M. (2005). Temperature and salinity effects on post-marsupial growth of Neomysis integer (Crustacea: Mysidacea). J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 326(1): 27-47. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2005.05.005, more
  • Verslycke, T.; Poelmans, S.; De Wash, K.; Vercauteren, J.; Devos, C.; Moens, L.; Sandra, P.; De Brabander, H.F.; Janssen, C.R. (2003). Testosterone metabolism in the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Crustacea; Mysidacea) following tributyltin exposure. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 22(9): 2030-2036, more
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