Effects of the synthetic hormone 17 α-ethynylestradiol on the reproduction and early life histories of the estuarine gastropods Nassarius burchardi and Nassarius jonasii / Larissa Borysko

Over the past ten to fifteen years there has been a growing concern that some synthetic and naturally occurring compounds may be altering the normal function of endocrine systems in humans and wildlife. These compounds, termed Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), have been found in many aquatic environments where they come into contact with vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. To date, natural and synthetic estrogens and xeno-estrogens have received the most attention and caused the greatest concern because they mimic the vertebrate hormone estrogen. The synthetic estrogenic hormone 17α- ethynylestradiol (EE2), a component of the birth control pill and hormone replacement therapies, has received increased scrutiny because it has been detected in aquatic environments worldwide. It has been correlated with observations of reproductive dysfunction and morphological and histological abnormalities in several studies of fish, however, little is known about the effects this compound may have on invertebrates. While internationally research has slowly begun to fill gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the effects of EDCs on invertebrate organisms, studies in Australia, with its large number of endemic species remain in their infancy. There is an urgent need to develop toxicity testing with EDCs to measure the response and determine the level of impact of these compounds in aquatic habitats in Australia. Part of the reason for the paucity of studies in Australia is the lack of general ecological knowledge of many invertebrates, especially those living in estuarine areas. These organisms are potentially vulnerable because they inhabit environments that receive waters from areas upstream containing pollutants such as EDCs