Estrogenic effect of effluent from municipal sewage treatment plant on juvenile goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Estrogenic effect of effluent from municipal sewage treatment plant on juvenile goldfish (Carassius auratus) was investigated using condition factor (CF) and vitellogenin (VTG) induction as endpoints. The results showed that no significant difference in CF was observed in fish after 7 d of exposure to all the dilution series of effluent (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% effluent) when compared with the control. 7 d of exposure to all the dilution series of effluent resulted in significant induction of various levels of VTG in juvenile goldfish. Effluent induced serum VTG in a concentration-dependent manner with the exception of 20% effluent. The results of the bioassay demonstrate that the receiving waters of the effluent from Jiaozuo municipal sewage treatment plant can be polluted by environmental estrogens and fish in them can be at risk of feminization.