Air-Water Exchange of Xenoestrogen in Surface Water in Suzhou of China and the Health Assessment

Endocrine disruptors are widely present in the environment and are defined as a subset of endocrine disruptors due to the biological activity of environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens). These substances persist as trace environmental pollutants and contribute to the material cycle. Atmospheric transportation is regarded as the main source of xenoestrogens in inland lakes. However, previous research on the air-water exchange of ecological estrogens in freshwaters has been limited, and studies have indicated that sex differences may result in heterogeneity in the health effects of the same air pollutants. Consequently, this study aims to access the interface exchange process of selected xenoestrogens and the health risks associated with non-dietary exposure in adults.

The results showed significant differences in the direction of air-water exchange for various exogenous estrogens. The air-water exchange rate of dibutyl phthalate is closely correlated with temperature and humidity. Discrepancies in melting point and water solubility of other exogenous estrogens may contribute to differences in exchange rate. Moreover, the non-dietary intake of health hazards posed by six environmental estrogens in atmospheric fine particulate matter is within acceptable limits (Total Health Risk < 1). Among these, dioctyl phthalate, identified as a potential carcinogenic pollutant, also falls within an acceptable level of carcinogenic risk (<10^-6). In Suzhou, men are found to face higher health risks from inhalation and skin-to-skin contact compared to women when outdoors. This finding contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the pollution profile and hazards associated with environmental estrogens in the Taihu Lake Basin. It supports the refinement and implementation of policies for ecological estrogen management.