Sediments in the mangrove areas contribute to the removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals in coastal sediments of Macau SAR, China, and harbour microbial communities capable of degrading E2, EE2, BPA and BPS

The occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a major issue for marine and coastal environments in the proximity urban areas. EDCs Pearl River Delta region well documented but specific data related to Macao unavailable. levels bisphenol-A (BPA), estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol (αE2), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) were measured sediment samples collected along coastline Macao. BPA was found all 45 with lower concentrations associated presence mangrove trees. Biodegradation assays performed evaluate capacity microbial communities surveyed ecosystems degrade its analogue BPS. Using sediments at WWTP discharge point as inoculum, concentration 2 mg l−1 complete removal observed within 6 days, whereas same BPS 95% after 10 which particularly interesting since this compound considered recalcitrant biodegradation likely accumulate environment. Supplementation improved degradation bisphenol-S (BPS). Aiming isolation EDCs-degrading bacteria, enrichments established supplied BPA, BPS, E2 EE2, led bacterial strain, identified Rhodoccoccus sp. ED55, able four compounds different extents. isolated strain represents valuable candidate bioremediation contaminated soils waters.