Ecotoxicological Assessment of Synthetic Fragrance Compounds as Endocrine Disruptors in Freshwater and Marine Vertebrates: An overview

Abstract

Synthetic fragrance compounds, widely employed in household and personal care products, have become persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystems due to insufficient removal during wastewater treatment processes. This review highlights their capacity as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic animals. Principal scent compounds, such as galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), and musk ketone, were identified in wastewater effluents and surface waters at quantities varying from nanograms (ng/L) to micrograms (µg/L).  This paper elucidates the mechanisms of hormonal interference in fish and amphibians, focusing on estrogenic, androgenic, and thyroidal pathways, through a synthesis of literature, experimental design, and in silico toxicity modeling. The findings suggest that extended, low-level exposure to these chemicals can alter reproductive behavior, gonadal development, and endocrine gene expression. Combining analytical chemistry, molecular assays, and ecological modeling is crucial for evaluating the cumulative danger of fragrance-derived endocrine-disrupting chemicals and formulating mitigation methods for sustainable aquatic ecosystem health.