Application Of The TriFISHer Assay For Estrogenic Activity From Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Effluents Released Into The New River

The TriFISHer assay was used to evaluate the risk from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent Endocrine Disrupting Concentrations (EDC) effects to the citizens in proximity of the South Fork New River (SFNR) and the Middle Fork of the New River (MFNR) as well as the aquatic vertebrate populations. Water samples were taken along the SFNR (n=16) and the MFNR (n= 15) from 2014 to 2016. Previous research suggests EDCs have potential impact at sub-ng/L concentrations, interfering with fish reproduction. Estrogen equivalent concentrations (EEQs) were negatively correlated with distance from the WWTPs along both rivers analyzed (p<0.0001). EEQ concentrations from Atlantic Croaker Estrogen Receptor (acERa) were not significantly different between rivers analyzed but had a significant amount of variation (26-83%) due to seasonal effects (p=0.0002). acERßa and acERßb EEQ from SFNR and MFNR sewage effluent were different across all seasons (p=<0.0001). Seasonal differences in ACER activity along the rivers can be attributed to temperature influences on bacterial metabolic rates, variation in UV irradiation levels, or precipitation effects on dilution rates. Differences between effluents are likely associated with differences in WWTP treatment technology and in pharmaceutical use between populations with median ages of 21 and 60 years according to 2010 census data.