Assessing the Potential for Endocrine Disruption in Chicago Area Waterways: Study Design and Preliminary Findings

In collaboration with St. Cloud State University, we developed a comprehensive study design to assess the potential for endocrine active compounds to interfere with the reproductive health of fish populations in the Chicago area waterways.  Our study design integrated analytical chemistry, in vitro cell assays, and in vivo assessment of fish health. We have collected and archived nearly 1,000 water samples and analyzed approximately 250 water samples for estrogenicity and 40 samples for estrogenic compounds.  We analyzed over 2,200 fish for histopathological changes and vitellogenin (VTG) production.  Preliminary data suggest that levels of estrogenicity in the waterways vary temporally and spatially.  VTG analysis also suggests there are temporal and spatial differences in VTG induction in caged sunfish. The final results from this study will provide the first system-wide assessment of the potential for endocrine active compounds to interfere with resident fish populations in urban environments.