Project

AquaGlance - Unravelling human health risks of endocrine disrupting compounds in drinking water

Code
1204324N
Duration
01 October 2023 → 30 September 2026
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Analytical separation and detection techniques
    • Instrumental methods
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Spectrometry
    • Pharmacokinetics
    • Analytical toxicology
Keywords
human health risk assessment drinking water endocrine disrupting compounds
 
Project description

Endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) contamination of drinking water has been inevitable since existing treatment technologies are not designed to eliminate EDCs from wastewater. EDCs are substances that alter the function of the endocrine system, resulting in metabolic disorders, hormonal cancers and neurotoxicity, amongst others. Examples include hormonal contraceptives, personal care products, pesticides and industrial chemicals. Sporadic research has acknowledged the presence of some EDCs in Belgian drinking water, however, a full-comprehensive study covering all major EDCs and taking into account human health from a holistic point of view is lacking. AquaGlance aims to investigate EDCs in drinking water and their exposure-related health risks in a Belgian cohort (GLORIA), taking into account different geospatial-hydraulic and socio-economic environments to identify hotspots and vulnerable groups. EDCs will be analyzed by (un)targeted high resolution mass spectrometry and electron capture detection. Human health risks will be assessed using the Risk Quotient method based upon the daily EDC intake. Identified risk-potential ECDs will be pinpointed in follow-up research, in which the relationships between exposure and health will be investigated over the lifetime of cohort participants. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies regarding EDC-related health implications.