Abstract

In this article, we document a strategy for addressing the difficulties of analyzing complex chemical mixtures of endocrine-disrupting substances (EDSs) in surface waters. The overall approach includes effect-based assessments to detect mixtures of EDSs exerting real-world effects, the use of passive samplers for in situ extraction and preconcentration of compounds, effect-directed analysis to isolate causative substances and finally, nontargeted analysis to facilitate their identification. This package of integrated approaches can be instrumental to address endocrine-disrupting mixtures in water bodies because it balances chemical- and effect-based methods that are inclusive of the broad diversity of chemicals functioning as EDSs. These methods are complementary to each other and, when used together, result in a synergistic and multidisciplinary approach to holistically detect and manage complex mixtures of EDSs exerting a myriad of effects in aquatic ecosystems.