Environ. Sci. Technol., 32 (17), 2498 -2506, 1998. es9710870 S0013-936X(97)01087-0
Web Release Date: July 30, 1998

Copyright © 1998 American Chemical Society

Widespread Sexual Disruption in Wild Fish

Susan Jobling,* Monique Nolan, Charles R. Tyler, Geoff Brighty, and John P. Sumpter

The Fish Physiology Research Group, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, U.K., Environment Agency, National Fisheries Laboratory, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Cambs PE18 8NE, U.K, and Environment Agency, National Centre for Ecotoxicology and Hazardous Substances, Hawberry Park, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8BD, U.K.

Received for review December 17, 1997

Revised manuscript received June 10, 1998

Accepted June 10, 1998

Abstract:

A number of chemicals present in the environment have been shown to mimic or antagonize the actions of steroid hormones, an issue often described as "endocrine disruption/modulation". There is very little evidence, however, to support the hypothesis that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is a global environmental health problem. In this paper, we demonstrate a high incidence of intersexuality in wild populations of riverine fish (roach; Rutilus rutilus) throughout the United Kingdom. These reproductive disturbances are consistent with exposure to hormonally active substances and are associated with discharges from sewage treatment works that are known to contain estrogenic chemicals. This is the first documented example of a widespread sexual disruption in wild populations of any vertebrate and indicates that reproductive and developmental effects do result from exposure to ambient levels of chemicals present in typical British rivers.

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