Removal of Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants from Water Using Macroporous Molecularly Imprinted Selective Media

During recent decades we have witnessed growing scientific concern, public debate and media attention concerning the possible adverse effects on humans and wildlife that may result from exposure to a wide range of environmental contaminants. These contaminants are called endocrine disrupters, or endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and are defined as chemicals that interfere with the function of the hormonal system of organisms.

Changes in the normal hormonal functions in wildlife is not new - some plants produce natural oestrogenic compounds called phytooestrogens - but this man-made effect is being regarded with increasing interest. The scientific community has begun to compile a growing list of man-made chemicals (xenobiotics) that have been shown in laboratory studies to have the ability to interact with and modify the endocrine system. Many of the compounds shown to have endocrine-disrupting effects are commonly used in a large variety of applications, and may therefore be widely dispersed throughout