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Daily Mail: Hormones in wastewater hinder fish reproduction

UC biologist Latonya Jackson is studying the impact of wastewater treatment plants on local streams

headshot of Michael Miller By Michael Miller 513-556-6757
2 minute read October 29, 2020

The Daily Mail highlighted work by University of Cincinnati biologist Latonya Jackson, who is studying the effects of hormones that get into public drinking water.

In a study published in the journal Aquatic Toxicology, Jackson found that fish exposed to as little as 5 nanograms per liter of estrogen produced fewer male offspring and fewer offspring overall than a control group.

A least killifish in an aquarium.

A least killifish in a UC biology lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand

Studies have found similar hormones at more than 10 times that concentration in streams near sewage treatment plants.

Jackson's research suggests that even trace exposure to estrogen could have significant consequences for wild fish populations.

"Anything you flush down the toilet or put in the sink will get in the water supply," Jackson said.

Jackson uses least killifish, among the smallest fish on the planet, as her study model. 

Read the Daily Mail story.

Featured image at top: UC assistant professor Latonya Jackson points to least killifish in her biology lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand

Latonya Jackson poses in a labcoat.

UC assistant professor Latonya Jackson studies aquatic toxicology, ecotoxicology and endocrine disrupting chemicals in her biology lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand

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