Multiphase Partitioning of Estrogens in a River Impacted by Feedlot Wastewater Discharge

Estrogens in river systems can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the multiphase partitioning of estrogens in Wulo Creek, Taiwan, which receives animal feedlot wastewater, to understand their distribution and potential environmental implications. Water samples were separated into suspended particulate matter (SPM), colloidal, and soluble phases using centrifugation and cross-flow ultrafiltration. Concentrations of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) in each phase were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Partition coefficients were calculated to assess estrogen distribution among phases. Estrogens were predominantly found in the soluble phase (85.8–87.3%). The risk assessment of estrogen equivalent (EEQ) values suggests that estrogen concentration in water poses a higher risk compared to SPM, with a majority of the samples indicating a high risk to aquatic organisms. The colloidal phase contained 12.7–14.2% of estrogens. The log KCOC values (4.72–4.77 L/kg-C) were significantly higher than the log KOC and log KPOC values (2.02–3.40 L/kg-C) for all estrogens. Colloids play a critical role in estrogen distribution in river systems, potentially influencing their fate, transport, and biotoxicity. This finding highlights the importance of considering colloidal interactions in assessing estrogen behavior in aquatic environments.