DETECTION OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN VARIOUS WATER SOURCES IN ASSIUT GOVERNORATE

The occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in various water sources is a growing problem worldwide. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are considered persistent contaminants in the aquatic environment, affecting various species including humans, due to their massive usage in daily life. The objective of the current study was to detect their presence in waste and irrigation water sources in Assiut Governorate using Liquid-liquid Extraction (LLE) procedure, followed by separation with Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis revealed the presence of several endocrine disrupting chemicals, including fluoxetine, caffeine, and phthalate esters, such as diethyl phthalate, di-n-propyl phthalate, di-butyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate, along with phenolic compounds such as 4-nonyl phenol, 4-octyl phenol and 4-tert butyl phenol. Notably, fluoxetine showed the highest detection rates, with 83.3% and 50% in waste and irrigation water samples, respectively. The results of the current study will contribute significantly to the research about endocrine disrupting chemicals in water sources and further control of its presence to preserve the environment.