Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs): The Risks for Aquatic Fauna

Many natural and synthetic compounds like fungicides, plasticizers, phytoestrogens and
xenoestrogens released into the aquatic environment from sewage discharges, agricultural runoffs
and industrial effluents can lead to endocrine disruption in exposed species of fish. These endocrine
disrupting compounds (EDCs) exert adverse effects on fish by disrupting oestrogen, androgen and
aromatase functions, by causing impairment of gonad development, by endocrine disruption and by
promoting behavioural changes. Thus, the chances of survival of affected species are compromised.
As fish constitute an important source of food for humans, elevated concentrations of EDCs can also
exert adverse effects on human health. It is thus essential to control and reduce the levels of EDCs
and to combat their effects upon fish species to prevent further damage to the Earth’s marine and
freshwater ecosystems.