Remediation and toxicity of endocrine disruptors: a review

Endocrine disruptors are hazardous chemicals with chronic health effects for most living organisms, inducing homeostasis, hormonal imbalances, cancer, reproductive and neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, vulnerability to fetus and neonates. Over 1,000 chemicals display endocrine disrupting characteristics. Endocrine disruptors are found among industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, plastic materials, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Endocrine disruptors enter human organs via ingestion, inhalation and diffusion through the skin. Here, we review the detection, toxicity, hazard identification and remediation methods of three classes of endocrine disruptors: steroid hormones, pharmaceutical and personal care products, and pesticides. Remediation methods include biological, physical, chemical, electrochemical and radiative methods. Bisphenol A was removed of 99% by biodegradation and ultraviolet with hydrogen peroxide, 98.4% by electropolymerization, 97.5% by photoelectrolysis and 80% by sand filtration. We present advanced treatment chemicals and discuss the performance of remediation using the combination of 2-3 treatment methods. In silico methods and machine learning for predicting toxicity and remediation are discussed

Automated summary

This article provides a review of the detection, toxicity, hazard identification, and remediation methods of endocrine disruptors. It discusses the characteristics and sources of various endocrine disruptors and presents different treatment approaches. For example, biodegradation and UV treatment can effectively remove certain endocrine disruptors.