Fish studies strengthen case for curbs on APEs
Studies commissioned by the Department of the Environment (DoE) have yielded strong evidence that discharges of sewage effluent containing oestrogenic chemicals can disrupt the reproduction of fish.1 Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) are one of the major culprits, and the research has confirmed that their effects are relatively persistent, additive and more severe than predicted by tests on cell cultures.