Abstract
Estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (eEDCs) are a significant concern due to their widespread contamination of water sources and their potential to disrupt both human and ecological health. The assessment of EDC contamination focuses on detecting only targeted compounds and as a result, the true extent of the risk remains unknown. This study describes the development and application of a novel in vitro transcription (IVT)-based reporter gene assay for detecting estrogenic activity from natural-, drinking-, tank-, rain-, and bottled-water. Using estradiol (E2)-spiked waters, the assay demonstrated high sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.0 pg/mL. When applied to the different water sources tested, the results revealed estrogenic activity across most of them. This study shows the need for improved monitoring tools that can detect estrogenic effects of complex EDC mixtures. Employing such tools provides a more comprehensive view of contamination revealing broader human and environmental risks posed by EDCs.