In situ formation of environmental endocrine disruptors from phytosterol degradation: A temporal model for agricultural soils

TY - JOUR

T1 - In situ formation of environmental endocrine disruptors from phytosterol degradation:

T2 - A temporal model for agricultural soils

AU - Gravert, Thorsten

AU - Fauser, Patrik

AU - Olsen, Preben

AU - Hansen, Martin

PY - 2021/6

Y1 - 2021/6

N2 - We propose a conceptual model that describes the in situ formation of androstenedione in agricultural soil from a phytosterol, β-sitosterol, released after crop harvest and soil fertiliser amendment. Based on the recorded agricultural practice at a spring barley field, β-sitosterol and androstenedione concentrations were modelled over the year. While decomposition of crop residues created low soil levels, the application of pig slurry led to an androstenedione soil concentration of 54 μg kg-1. The elevated soil concentration of androstenedione is not due to the introduction of the endocrine disruptor in the fertiliser, but a result of the addition of large concentrations of β-sitosterol as a natural precursor. The limited available data on β-sitosterol and androstenedione concentration in soil prohibited their accurate prediction by our model. However, the potential implication of endocrine-disrupting steroid hormones being formed in situ from currently little considered phytosterols justifies a conceptual description and further research.

AB - We propose a conceptual model that describes the in situ formation of androstenedione in agricultural soil from a phytosterol, β-sitosterol, released after crop harvest and soil fertiliser amendment. Based on the recorded agricultural practice at a spring barley field, β-sitosterol and androstenedione concentrations were modelled over the year. While decomposition of crop residues created low soil levels, the application of pig slurry led to an androstenedione soil concentration of 54 μg kg-1. The elevated soil concentration of androstenedione is not due to the introduction of the endocrine disruptor in the fertiliser, but a result of the addition of large concentrations of β-sitosterol as a natural precursor. The limited available data on β-sitosterol and androstenedione concentration in soil prohibited their accurate prediction by our model. However, the potential implication of endocrine-disrupting steroid hormones being formed in situ from currently little considered phytosterols justifies a conceptual description and further research.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85108625229&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1039/D1EM00027F

DO - 10.1039/D1EM00027F

M3 - Journal article

SN - 2050-7887

VL - 23

SP - 855

EP - 866

JO - Environmental Science Processes & Impacts

JF - Environmental Science Processes & Impacts

IS - 6

ER -