Regulation of Natural and Synthetic Estrogens in Drinking Water Bodies: Reviewing Emerging Solutions for an Emerging Problem
Abstract A growing amount of data in the scientific literature indicates that emerging contaminants, such as Endocrine Disruptors Chemicals (EDCs), have increased in concentration in water bodies in recent years. The main objective of this research was to compile data on legal and regulatory frameworks of different locations regarding the control of estrogens (an EDC) in surface and drinking waters, to support regulation in countries where it has not shown significant advances. An analysis was carried out of the legal provisions aimed at guaranteeing the quality of surface and drinking waters, specifically regarding the control of estrogens, in the United States of America (USA), European Union (EU), Australia and Brazil. Among these, it is emphasized that only Australia has reference values for estrogens in water recycling for drinking purposes. Although several scientific data support the harmful effects of estrogens, several countries do not regulate the maximum values of these compounds allowed in water bodies. Some factors can influence the setting of standards for estrogens in regulations, such as the availability of affordable treatment technologies that are proven to be effective in removing these compounds and the lack of robust analytical methods with adequate limits of quantification for detection in low concentrations that can be widely employed.