11th May, Silsoe Research Institute
Wrest Park, Beds, MK45 4HS
www.sri.bbsrc.ac.uk

Endocrine disrupting effects in the environment are getting a much higher profile since the publication of several papers indicating physiological changes in fish in rivers. Natural and synthetic chemicals released in discrete and diffuse discharges to river are generally blamed for these effects, although in many cases the scientific evidence is not robust. Measurement of these chemicals, which tend to be complex and numerous, is challenging, given the substrates in which they are found. There is also little known about the ability of treatment processes to remove or degrade these chemicals. The challenge for the industry is to reduce the impact of these chemicals and to be able to demonstrate this effect. DEFRA and the EA are currently negotiating with the Water Industry on how this challenge might be met in the AMP 4/AMP 5 period. This workshop will outline the environmental, process and measurement issues that face the industry in meeting this challenge.

Chairman: Dr Issy Caffoor, Yorkshire Water

A policy view. Dr Mike Roberts, DEFRA
Presentation (10351k)

The Environment Agency's approach. Terry Long, Environment Agency
Presentation (1260k)

The process challenges. Tony Butwell, WRc
Presentation (110k)

The water company's views. Howard Brett, Thames Water
Presentation (96k)

Detection limits and measurement quality. Rakesk Kanda, WRc
Presentation (216k)

Dip stick assays for oestrogenic steroids. Prof Fred Rowell & Dr Carolyn Taylor, University of Sunderland
Presentation (719k)

EDC detection. Bart van der Burg, Biodetection Systems b.v.
Presentation (462k)

Making immunodiagnostics work for the Water Industry. Prof Colin Self, Newcastle University
Presentation