Transformation of a non-oestrogenic steroid metabolite to an oestrogenically active substance by minimal bacterial activity

The majority of oestrogenic material excreted from humans and wildlife, and therefore released into sewers, is in a conjugated form. However, the finding of “free” oestrogens in sewage effluent suggests that these metabolites are somehow converted back into an active form, before or during passage through a sewage treatment process. When male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were continuously exposed to oestradiol-3-glucuronide, in a continuous-flow system, it demonstrated no inherent oestrogenic activity. However, when fish were exposed to effluent generated from laboratory simulations of sewage treatment processes, to which had been added oestradiol-3-glucuronide, oestrogenic activity was observed, suggesting microbial activity was capable of degrading the steroid metabolite into a more potent oestrogen. Oestrogenic potency was determined by measuring changes in plasma vitellogenin (egg yolk precursor) concentrations and gonadosomatic index. The results suggest that inactive metabolites of steroids are very readily biotransformed into biologically active oestrogens.