A global overview of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment: occurrence, effects, and treatment methods

Various chemicals are known to impact biological systems disrupting normal homeostasis, especially the endocrine system, called endocrine disrupting chemicals. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are universal in the environment, and a low concentration (µg/L to ng/L) severely impacts human health and wildlife due to transgenerational and multigenerational effects. The present review analyzed original research articles (109), review articles (76), short communication (20), article report (1), monograph (1), and scientific reports (2) via PubChem, science direct, National Center for Biotechnology Information, web of science on the source and fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment which are a prime concern to public health. A thorough investigation of the fate of these contaminants in environmental matrices such as air, water, soil, and biota is prioritized to form a clear link between the exposure and its effect on humans and biota. Environmental guidelines for these chemicals in environmental matrices and their treatment methods are also discussed in the review. Graphical abstract