Contamination of waters, soils, sediments and other environmental media by steroid estrogens is an emerging health issue because estrogens exhibit toxic effects on fishes and animals. Levels of steroid estrogens vary widely, ranging from below the detection limit to hundreds of nanograms per liter. Estrogens alter hormone levels and the homeostasis system of living organisms, they increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer and breast cancer in humans and they may induce reproductive disorders, fetal malformations and feminization of males. Here, we review detection methods of steroid estrogens in water samples. Methods mainly include chemical analysis, immunoassays and bioassays. Advanced sensors increase the selectivity and sensitivity of electrochemical assays. For instance, graphene-based sensors can decrease the detection limit to 50 fM, though estrogen analogues may interfere. Immunoassays such as ELISA have the advantages of high sensitivity, fast analysis speed and wide applicability from 2 to 4000 ng/L, though it is susceptible to cross-reactivity.

类固醇雌激素污染水，土壤，沉积物和其他环境介质是一个新兴的健康问题，因为雌激素对鱼类和动物具有毒性作用。类固醇雌激素的水平变化很大，范围从检测限以下到每升数百纳克。雌激素会改变荷尔蒙水平和活生物体的体内稳态系统，增加人类罹患心血管疾病，前列腺癌和乳腺癌的风险，并且可能诱发男性生殖系统疾病，胎儿畸形和女性化。在这里，我们回顾水样品中甾体雌激素的检测方法。方法主要包括化学分析，免疫测定和生物测定。先进的传感器可提高电化学测定的选择性和灵敏度。例如，尽管雌激素类似物可能会干扰，但基于石墨烯的传感器可以将检测极限降低到50 fM。ELISA等免疫分析法具有交叉反应性，但具有灵敏度高，分析速度快，适用范围从2到4000 ng / L的优点。